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.

“I wanted to paint a hazy portrait of the Midwest but not in such a literal way,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 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

Epstein is hardly the first rich American to pursue the literal eugenic, or “beautiful gene.”

From Slate • Mar. 19, 2026

He preferred to paint subjects in contemporary dress but wasn’t literal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

They have difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions or putting themselves inside someone else's head or drawing understanding from anything other than the literal meaning of words.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell