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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Recent Examples of historical
Yakusho, 70, has been a defining presence in Japanese cinema for four decades, working across crime thrillers, historical epics, and international co-productions.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
It is based on historical data, and is not a schedule or a prediction.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Commissioners McSlavkin and Ella Cross both questioned a historical mural in the tunnel, which includes controversial pioneers John Sutter and Peter Burnett, during the meeting.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
California’s legislators and water agencies should restore historical water allocations to farmers.
—Edward Ring, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
It is based on historical data, and is not a schedule or a prediction.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Commissioners McSlavkin and Ella Cross both questioned a historical mural in the tunnel, which includes controversial pioneers John Sutter and Peter Burnett, during the meeting.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
California’s legislators and water agencies should restore historical water allocations to farmers.
—Edward Ring, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for historical
Adjective
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Yet neither approach had any factual basis, and any success either group had was likely due to the placebo effect—merely giving a patient special attention and the hope of a cure can be healing in itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
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Some complaints derive from the film brushing aside many of the late King of Pop’s controversies, while others criticize the factual problems of Michael’s life and career, including missing family members.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That includes describing specific campaign messages suitable for advertising or attacking opponents, sometimes highlighted in a literal red box.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Others could go with a more literal interpretation of art, and either realize or reference paintings.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Sarah Hoover wears a lavender pantsuit at a screening of the documentary Art's Missing Period with Kotex in New York City.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
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The festival opens with the documentary film STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE!—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.—
Erik Hayden,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/historical. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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