literally

adverb

Definition of literallynext
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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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 literally So imagine my surprise when the one innovation to stick — literally — turns out to be one marketed for men. — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 The result is, literally, a mash-up of everything about the couple’s style, taste, backgrounds, and influences. — Plum Sykes, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026 But for now, they are quite literally left in the dark about the future of their country. — Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 Rossi interpreted the idea of the piazza quite literally, arranging the service’s pieces like structures around a public square. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for literally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literally
  1. accurately
  2. directly
Adverb
  • Territories needed to be assigned, quotas had to be set, and compensation needed to be calculated accurately and paid on time.
    — Arnab Mishra, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • But software may not accurately reflect a switch’s actual actuation point.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of accurately
Adverb
  • While the resulting hydrogen can help decarbonize industries that are difficult to electrify directly, its wider adoption has been constrained by its cost compared with hydrogen produced from fossil fuels.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In this region, soft, sandy beaches are abundant, not only directly in front of the resort but on both sides of it, and surfers can find some excellent, challenging breaks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of directly

Browse Nearby Words

literality
literally
literalness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Literally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literally. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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