historical

adjective

hi-ˈstȯr-i-kəl How to pronounce historical (audio)
Definition of historicalnext
as in factual
restricted to or based on fact a historical novel that tells the story of Hannibal's crossing of the Alps through the eyes of a young boy

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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 historical Part of the exhibition’s conceit was to re-create Femme au chapeau’s historical context. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 With its historical powers now in other conferences, a power vacuum appeared to emerge with teams vying for supremacy. — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 The formula is similar, highlighting a mix of voices from inside and outside the system, but the show, in Herndon’s telling, aims less to create a historical record than to shape the discourse and help inform voters’ decisions. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026 Just 1 - 2 in September, so historical averages do point to us still having a 90-degree day. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for historical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for historical
  1. factual
  2. literal
  3. documentary
  4. true
  5. nonfictional
Adjective
  • Only factual errors can be corrected, not subjective decisions.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Dated over 2,000 years ago, these manuscripts shatter claims that Jewish connection to the land is a modern invention, offering a factual foundation for peace and reconciliation.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • Roughly 10 miles south of town, Ken’s Lake is a literal oasis offering standup paddleboarding, swimming and fishing.
    — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Just ask the guy running around Westwood in a literal bear costume earlier this week.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of literal
Adjective
  • The film — which is the only documentary feature in this year’s Venice’s competition lineup — is produced by British newspaper The Guardian and James Wilson (JW Films) and executive produced by Jonathan Glazer.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Gary Lineker is the latest high-profile name to get the documentary treatment — with a series charting his life launching on Amazon Prime next year, The Athletic can reveal.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of documentary
Adjective
  • But the truer thread running through his music was as much about urgency as death.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Among those in the record crowd was former Orlando Magic star Grant Hill, whose daughter Lael is a true freshman defender from Windermere for the Gators and a product of Lake Highland Prep.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • This is what gives the film its experiential sincerity — the lived perspective of its Ukrainian crew leaving a nonfictional trace across every level of the fiction, something Stever handles with unusual reverence.
    — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of nonfictional

Browse Nearby Words

historic
historical
histories
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Cite this Entry

“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/historical. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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