literalism

1 of 2

noun (1)

lit·​er·​al·​ism ˈli-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce literalism (audio)
Synonyms of literalismnext
1
: adherence to the explicit substance of an idea or expression
biblical literalism
2
: fidelity to observable fact : realism
literalist
ˈli-t(ə-)rə-list How to pronounce literalism (audio)
noun
literalistic
ˌli-t(ə-)rə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce literalism (audio)
adjective

literalist

2 of 2

noun (2)

lit·​er·​al·​ist -lə̇st How to pronounce literalist (audio)
plural -s
: one that advocates or practices literalism
the literalist wants to hear cowbells in his music—H. A. Overstreet
specifically : fundamentalist entry 1 sense 1
others of the early church fathers … were not literalists in regard to the Mosaic account of creation —V. A. Rice & F. N. Andrews

Synonyms of literalism

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Noun (1)

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Examples of literalism in a Sentence

Noun (1) if audiences ever got the literalism they claim they want in movies, they'd be fast asleep by the second reel
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Schoenbrun is not going for kicky mimicry here — literalism is not their chief aim. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 In fact, the allegory travels more easily once it is freed from literalism. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 But that literalism, the Court instructed, was not a clear authorization for the agency to regulate those wetlands. — Daniel Wallach, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Eschewing dull literalism, the bold illustrations lend imaginative flair to the warm, lived-in look of Pye’s production design. — David Benedict, Variety, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for literalism

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1632, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of literalism was in 1632

Rhymes for literalism

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Browse Nearby Words

literal contract
literalism
literalist
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Cite this Entry

“Literalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literalism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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