DOCUMENTARY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

documentary 1 of 2

noun

Definition of documentary

as in docudrama

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documentary

2 of 2

adjective

ˌdä-kyə-ˈmen-tə-rē

as in historical

restricted to or based on fact a documentary film about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 documentary

Noun

The documentary depicts a scenario involving a large hostile surface vessel formation approaching southeast of China. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026 Lodging policy for a predictable demand spike Sundance is an 11-day annual festival that showcases independent storytelling by featuring dramatic and documentary films, shorts, premieres and filmmaker discussions. — Tim Komarek, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Her TikTok post and support for her children Shortly before the shootings, Gilson posted a TikTok using a popular documentary-style trend. — Staff Reports, Oklahoman, 25 July 2026 For documentary fans who are tired of digging through crowded streaming libraries, Curiosity Stream offers a dedicated home for educational content. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for documentary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for documentary

Noun

Still, there’s no way to know if this docudrama will actually reveal what happened between the two women or if Earle will want to keep that close to her vest.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston, a three-part docudrama hosted by the Loki star that will premiere July 22 on the network at 9/8c and July 23 on Disney+ and Hulu.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 16 June 2026

Definition of docudrama

Adjective

The beauty lies in part to its gothic Ford Complex — funded by Henry Ford and his wife — and the many historical buildings that wound up earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

— Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
After all, household debt balances are elevated, borrowing costs are still expensive by historical standards and inflation is driving up the costs of just about everything, adding pressure to borrowers' budgets.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of historical

Noun

The suede and mesh sneakers feature memory foam padding and anti-slip outsoles for a comfortable and supportive fit.

— Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
The movie, a harrowing account of one family’s separation during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, earned Watts an Oscar nomination for best actress and marked Holland’s acting debut in a live-action feature film.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of feature

Adjective

In January, the bank asked the judge to throw out Arbuckle’s claims, arguing that evidence exchanged by both sides showed no key factual disputes requiring a jury to resolve.

— Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Comcast is likely to dispute the negligence claim and may dispute at least some of the factual allegations.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026

Definition of factual

Noun

Tim Graef's golden retriever, River, could have been a star in the new film, but didn't make it past the application process.

— Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
There is some hope that allowing Disney intellectual property to fuel TikTok pieces will have a halo effect for Disney’s films and programs.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of film

Adjective

Pee-Wee as Himself, the 2025 Emmy award winner for best documentary or nonfictional special, is also among the nominees.

— Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
That delirious excess befits the essence of Lapid’s method, which is a fusion of fiction with indigestibly and irreducibly nonfictional elements.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

Definition of nonfictional

Noun

Additional bonus features include a behind-the-scenes featurette on the making of the film.

— Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 July 2026
The featurette teases Zada as Haymitch, with scenes ranging from the literal sunrise on his Reaping Day to Capitol interviews to the Games itself.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 4 July 2026

Definition of featurette

Adjective

Smoke and its literal chokehold on air quality continue to be the most widespread impact of the ongoing fires.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
The film takes cannibalism – rarely broached in Malaysian popular cinema – as both literal premise and social metaphor, training its lens on characters pushed to extremes by poverty and ambition.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of literal

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“Documentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/documentary. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of documentary

noun

adjective

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