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literalness Synonyms

Another word for literalness

Choosing another word for literalness depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The quality or state of adhering strictly to the primary, exact, or most basic meaning of words, without metaphor or exaggeration.

Usage Example

"The translator was praised for the strict literality of her rendering of the ancient legal text."

Strongest
literality
Strong
exactness
fidelity
precision
accuracy

• noun (Context 2)

A tendency to interpret statements or events in a matter-of-fact, unimaginative, or overly pedantic manner.

Usage Example

"His humorless literal-mindedness made it difficult for him to appreciate the irony in the novel."

Strongest
literal-mindedness
literalism
Strong
pedantry
prosaicness

Opposites of literalness

The opposite of literalness shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

figurativeness
imagination
creativity
abstraction
See all opposites of literalness

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Literalness. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/literalness
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