NONLITERATE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

nonliterate

adjective

ˌnän-ˈli-t(ə-)rət

Definition of nonliterate

as in ignorant

lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books an organization helping nonliterate adults improve their reading skills

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Recent Examples of nonliterate Such a practice would have been especially useful in nonliterate societies where knowledge was transmitted orally. — Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonliterate

ignorant

Adjective

Let’s hope that George Santayana’s warning to those ignorant of history about the past repeating itself makes an exception for our present Defense Department.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
And then there are amateur collectors like me, who might not know ironstone from porcelain, but whose last day on earth could be spent touching old objects in ignorant bliss.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2026

Definition of ignorant

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nonliterary

nonliterate

nonliving

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

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Synonyms of nonliterate

adjective

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