as in accurately
in a literal, true, or accurate way
She is not one for hyperbole—all of her warnings should be taken literally. The employees took the CEO's remarks literally and rightfully worried about the future health of the company.
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Recent Examples of literally
But insanity is a condition of the American Dream, which immigrants’ children are known to take literally, and to the bank.
—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 July 2026
This, however, is no coincidence, considering the fact that America is, quite literally, a summer baby.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
That if you were deemed, as an enslaved person, if you were deemed troublesome or in some way unwanted, you would literally be sold down the river from the more northern states to the deeper south where you would potentially be treated even worse.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
Sonically, Madonna literally returns to the dance floor, a move that’s getting her early critical praise already as reviews hit Friday, calling this her best album in decades.
—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for literally
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 July 2026
This, however, is no coincidence, considering the fact that America is, quite literally, a summer baby.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
That if you were deemed, as an enslaved person, if you were deemed troublesome or in some way unwanted, you would literally be sold down the river from the more northern states to the deeper south where you would potentially be treated even worse.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
Sonically, Madonna literally returns to the dance floor, a move that’s getting her early critical praise already as reviews hit Friday, calling this her best album in decades.
—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for literally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literally
Adverb
-
While Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, historians say one of the most overlooked chapters of the Revolutionary War is Florida's role, or more accurately, its decision not to join the fight for independence.
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Consider how to keep your system running 24/7, securely and accurately.
Adverb
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However, the records do not identify Swift or Kelce and do not reveal if the event is directly connected to the couple.
-
Add chunk oak firewood or oak smoking chunks directly onto the hot coals.
Video
Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literally. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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