LITERARY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

literary

adjective

ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē

Definition of literary

as in learned

suggestive of the vocabulary used in books the novel's dialogue is a little too literary in flavor to be entirely convincing

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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 literary The result was that rare thing, a simultaneous literary and cultural triumph. — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Ross’ music eschews the cathartic function of a lot of classic heartland rock, maybe because his lyric-writing is fairly literary and terse. — Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026 Don’t miss the literary walk hosted by Mark Chutter, chairman and academic director of the Thomas Hardy Society, followed by a cream tea. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026 But she also was tied to us here in the Fox Valley, if not literally then certainly in a literary way. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for literary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for literary

Adjective

But rather than building it near the existing complex, it was constructed on vacant land in the Latin Quarter, the intellectual heart of the city.

— Shannon Fogg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
Indeed, while Baldessari’s work might seem bland and intellectual at first glance, plenty of pieces in the show put his sense of humor on full display.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of intellectual

Adjective

Advertisement Unfortunately, some of my academic and clinical colleagues have dismissed this approach.

— David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Hutton said Calumet College regularly sends representatives to the school to monitor it, including its governance system and academic programs.

— Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of academic

Adjective

Read our full bookish tribute to Parton here, or learn how to sign up for the Imagination Library here.

— Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Over the years, The Book Rack has offered thousands of books across a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, along with candles, notebooks, bookish gifts and more than 100 puzzles.

— Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bookish

Adjective

Like Dante, Nick Tosches was an undaunted character whose tongue-twisting prose was an iconoclastic mash-up of realism and intricate, erudite lyricism.

— A.D. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026
Prolific author and erudite British import David Thomson has been writing about film for more than six decades.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 July 2026

Definition of erudite

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literalness

literary

literate

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“Literary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literary. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of literary

adjective

Example Sentences

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