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.

The Dunlap broadside was a broadside in a figurative sense as well as a literal one, blasting its message like cannons fired from the side of a warship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“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

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

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

From Slate • Mar. 19, 2026

“Okay, it’s kind of like a lost cat ad, except the cat’s actually a cute boy you met at the post office. But a human cute boy. Not a literal cat.”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera