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

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 historical Catrielle Barnett, a rising senior at the Academy of Art University, uses quilting to explore care, survival and historical continuity. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 That number includes a historical high of four Muslim Americans in Congress. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Construction was carried out mostly by foot and mules, as documented by historical photographs from the National Park Service. — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 In August 1959, Hurricane Dot took a similar track, though not quite as pronounced, historical records show. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for historical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for historical
  1. factual
  2. literal
  3. documentary
  4. true
  5. nonfictional
Adjective
  • The theory, which has no factual basis, underscored how such events can fan mistrust along national lines in the region.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Florida TaxWatch, an organization known for keeping a sharp eye on overspending, has a new website that breaks down the fiscal impact of Amendment 3 in ways that are fair and factual — unlike Ingoglia’s fictional claims.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • Playing the helpful citizen, Martinez drove his literal truckload of ALPR bits directly to the Sheriff’s department, where he was promptly taken into custody.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Something at home could be bothering you more than you’d like to admit, perhaps a tense family dynamic or the fact that your apartment is a literal mess.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of literal
Adjective
  • The InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, also located on Via Veneto, will become the documentary hub.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Her work combines documentary observation with staged composition to explore female perspectives, Berlins subcultures, and everyday intimacy.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of documentary
Adjective
  • The true main event will pit top AEW star Mercedes Mone against Willow Nightingale in yet another women’s world title match that will not go on last.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Unlocking the true nature of dark energy and dark matter could help astronomers understand what the universe is made of, how its expansion has changed over time, and if there is more to understanding gravity than meets the eye.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/historical. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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