nonliterary

adjective

ˌnän-ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce nonliterary (audio)
Definition of nonliterarynext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing slang words are usually considered nonliterary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nonliterary Most of the people on this list worked nonliterary jobs before becoming a successful writer. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonliterary
  1. colloquial
  2. vernacular
  3. informal
Adjective
  • Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
  • The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Definition of colloquial
Adjective
  • And yet Webster’s dictionary, and his earlier attempts at spelling reform, expressed a radical desire to forge an entirely new tongue based in the vernacular genius of the aspiring American people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • Because the alcohol drives the storytellers toward vernacular expression, these pieces can seem more alive and authentic, more relatable, than big-budget, big-screen productions.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of vernacular
Adjective
  • But the series also goes behind the scenes to explore how an informal gathering grew into a big-budget, heavily regulated event.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The alliance grew out of an informal coalition that included organizations tied to Ananas Anam, Bananatex and Regenerate Fashion.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 July 2026
Definition of informal

Browse Nearby Words

nonliteral
nonliterary
nonliterate
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Cite this Entry

“Nonliterary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliterary. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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