Synonyms for literal
- adjective
Synonyms by meaning
Adjective
2. Verbal — exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or…
3. Matter-of-fact — unimaginative; matter-of-fact; literal-minded
Other
Definitions
- adj. 1
Exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; not taking liberties; etymonic rather than idiomatic.
A literal reading of the law would prohibit it, but that is clearly not the intent.
- adj. 2
Actual, real, physical.
- adj. 3
Unimaginative; matter-of-fact; literal-minded.
Related words
- Word family
- literalistic literally literacy literary literate literature
Choose the right word
vox, the voice) signifies of or pertaining to the voice, uttered or modulated by the voice, and especially uttered with or sounding with full, resonant voice; literal (L.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- actual James and Amanda were living an actual fairy tale.
- verbal "Verbal power" shouldn't be confused with "insult".
By length
- 4 letters
- real1, true1
- 5 letters
- exact2, plain1, naked2
- 6 letters
- actual3, verbal2
- 7 letters
- correct2, genuine3
- 8 letters
- verbatim3
- 10 letters
- unromantic, denotative
- 13 letters
- unimaginative6
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (exact2 = 2 syllables).