Synonyms for

Literally

Verb / ˈlɪtɜ:ʌli: / / ˈlɪtrʌli: / Another word for literally — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of a statement or description.

Synonyms & similar words

figuratively actually truly really genuinely authentically veritably precisely exactly factually truthfully honestly sincerely earnestly faithfully absolutely positively categorically unquestionably indubitably undeniably

Synonyms by register

Formal

actually truly precisely exactly

Informal

really seriously no joke for real

Literary

veritably in truth

Antonyms

figuratively metaphorically symbolically hypothetically imaginatively virtually

Common collocations

  • literally impossible
  • literally dying
  • literally the best
  • literally amazing
  • literally true
  • literally speaking
  • literally thousands

Word family

adverb literally

Usage note

Often used informally for emphasis, even when not strictly true, which can be confusing. Its formal meaning is 'in a literal manner or sense; exactly'.

Example sentences

  1. I literally have a million things to do today.
  2. She literally flew across the country to see her family.
  3. He literally ate everything on his plate.
  4. The movie was so funny that I literally laughed out loud.
  5. I was literally shaking with fear during the scary movie.

Quotes

  • "I can't even" is literally the new "I can't even"." - Kaitlyn Bristowe
  • "I don't even know" has become a catchphrase. But it's literally true. We don't know." - Bill Bryson
  • "I literally have no idea what's going on right now." - Kim Kardashian

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