Definitions

literally

[lit-er-uh-lee] / ˈlɪt ər ə li /

ADVERB

word for word; exactly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

actually completely directly plainly precisely really simply truly

WEAK

correctly direct faithfully indisputably letter by letter literatim not figuratively rightly rigorously sic straight strictly to the letter undeviatingly undisputably unerringly unmistakably verbatim veritably

Antonyms

STRONGEST

doubtfully

WEAK

figuratively loosely

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.

In the philosophy of physics, particularly in a view known as eternalism, the word “timeless” is used literally.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

There’s arroz con lentejas, a vegetarian take on “arroz con gandules” that literally translates to rice with lentils.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

But, Phil adds, Brazil's fans bring a carnival atmosphere to every city they play in - literally.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

“This is literally about unmitigated greed,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Toby had put parentheses after exponents when explaining PEMDAS, even though the order was literally parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Vocabulary lists containing literally

Ghost

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Kindred

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Booked

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