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.

“I thought this was my stay-at-home-mom era, until I found out about this data center in my literal backyard,” said Sharp.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 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

I’d felt the derision directed at my body, the literal space I occupied in the world.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing literal

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

AP English Lit exam terms

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Vocabulary to Describe Literary Devices

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!