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.
At Compass Rose, the hotel’s grab-and-go counter for Cuban-style coffee and pastries, look for the hotel’s original 1939 green-glass front desk, where I was told there’s photographic evidence of Miami Vice’s Don Johnson leaning against it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026 Biddy’s multitudes are reflected in her sole surviving photographic portrait (as seen on the cover of this book). — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 This rare sighting came with even rarer photographic evidence. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Van Aertryck and his colleagues turned to prints, paintings, real-estate registers, and topographical maps to re-create Daguerre’s environs, but these pre-photographic renderings had their limits. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photographic. Accessed 20 Oct. 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

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