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Definitions

literal

[lit-er-uhl] / ˈlɪt ər əl /
ADJECTIVE
word for word; exact, real
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accurate actual authentic true unvarnished
STRONG
close faithful gospel natural ordinary plain simple
WEAK
apparent bona fide critical genuine methodical not figurative scrupulous strict to the letter undeviating unerring unexaggerated usual veracious verbal verbatim veritable written
Antonyms
STRONGEST
counterfeit dishonest false falsified unreal
STRONG
abnormal complex complicated decorated different difficult embellished extraordinary inaccurate intricate ornate unclear uncommon
WEAK
exaggerated figurative imaginative loose

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.

The second season of “Paradise” ended with a literal bang.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Meanwhile, in Germany, Martin Luther had questioned the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, the literal transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The only way to make things right is to return to the literal scene of the crime, where Kenna hopes to confront the ghosts of her past to build a future alongside her daughter.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 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

Now lined with a row of small shops, the tradition continues, though in a figurative rather than literal sense.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris