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.

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

literal

Example Sentences

Related Words