nonfictional

adjective

Definition of nonfictionalnext
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact a nonfictional account of a disastrous ascent of Mount Everest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 nonfictional 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 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 The days at the fictional Oak Canyon Ranch Retreat in the nonfictional Agoura Hills are loaded with incident — the retreat itself is essentially sleepaway camp, including pool time, games, a cookout, a talent show — and disasters. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026 Significant experiment The effort is part of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a nonfictional experiment with detectors that will be immersed in huge baths of cryogenic liquid argon, which is going the opposite direction — down. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026 But what was more interesting to me are those who aren’t fantasizing about being in a fictional world, but who are fantasizing about being a different reader, in a more secure nonfictional world. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2026 Recently, this sacrament has garnered nonfictional attention. — Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonfictional
  1. historical
  2. factual
  3. documentary
  4. literal
Adjective
  • The study said the object, which left a greenish discoloration on her palate, was unlikely to be a coin, as the proportions of copper to gold did not correspond to those found in historical alloys.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of historical
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
  • The documentary segment will feature interviews with Bob Iger and Miral's chairman, potentially showcasing new concept art and offering insights into this ambitious venture.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Bardin has been with the production company, a powerhouse in the documentary scene, since its founding in 2019 and previously served as head of documentary and unscripted.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of documentary
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

Browse Nearby Words

nonfeasance
nonfictional
nonfigurative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonfictional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonfictional. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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