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

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

The disadvantage is that representational art, like prose, is always bound to the literal meaning and appearance of the everyday world, at least to some extent.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson