photographic

adjective

pho·​to·​graph·​ic ˌfō-tə-ˈgra-fik How to pronounce photographic (audio)
Synonyms of photographicnext
1
: relating to, obtained by, or used in photography
2
: representing nature and human beings with the exactness of a photograph
3
: capable of retaining vivid impressions
a photographic memory
photographically
ˌfō-tə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photographic (audio)
adverb

Examples of photographic in a Sentence

photographic images of the galaxy
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Poland’s Infrastructure Ministry is now drafting a reform requiring photographic proof during inspections that a car is actually sitting in a Polish garage. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 For example, during a luggage delay in Barcelona, having digital copies of packing lists, purchase receipts for workshop materials, and photographic evidence of bag contents enabled full replacement reimbursement within two weeks. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The photographic promise of the star in an easy, lighthearted mode is borne out by a clutch of songs that drift by for the most part in that dreamy, gossamer-like higher vocal, more of a whisper than her signature belt. — Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026 Because laminates use a photographic layer adhered to the core, that layer can’t be refinished in cases of damage, unlike floors like solid or engineered hardwood, which can be refinished to give a longer lifespan. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for photographic

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photographic was in 1839

Phrases Containing photographic

Rhymes for photographic

See All Rhymes for photographic

Browse Nearby Words

photographer
photographic
photographic magnitude
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Cite this Entry

“Photographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photographic. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

photographic

adjective
pho·​to·​graph·​ic ˌfōt-ə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce photographic (audio)
1
: relating to, obtained by, or used in photography
photographic supplies
2
: capable of remembering details exactly
a photographic memory
photographically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photographic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on photographic

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for photographic

Nglish: Translation of photographic for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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