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.

Specifically, he posted an A.I.-generated video of a fighter jet, piloted by himself in a literal crown, dropping human excrement onto the crowds.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

If so, then we’re layering another dimension of time onto something that was supposed to be timeless in the literal sense.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

These schools weren’t quite a direct pipeline into the American armed services, but their implicit promise was to cultivate gentlemen, if not always literal officers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

The line-up also featured Australian house and techno producer Fisher, who brought literal pyro fire to the main stage.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

“Eureka! This is it! Sister Germaine’s literal translation of Martin the Warrior’s Abbey blueprints.”

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Vocabulary lists containing literal

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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AP English Lit exam terms

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Vocabulary to Describe Literary Devices

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