literal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like many autistic people, Haight’s mind interprets language in its most literal sense.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

“It is late for the literal, no?” he protests when the narrator presses him on biographical specifics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

It’s weird to be alive at a time when much of contemporary warfare comprises literal laser beams, flying robots and dungeons full of nerds at computer terminals, but that’s really what’s happening.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

There will also be a rather literal interpretation of comedy series Amandaland that enlists a string of famous Amandas, and a performance from singer-songwriter Calum Scott.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

“That is the literal meaning, yes, but what’s really being said is, ‘From nothing, nothing can come.’”

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya