documentary
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for documentary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A film or program that presents facts about a real subject.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A film or program that presents facts about a real subject.
“We watched a documentary about coral reefs last night.”
Opposites
2. adj
Based on or consisting of documents; presented factually.
“The museum has documentary evidence of the treaty signing.”
documental
How to use documentary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
nature documentary
documentary evidence
documentary filmmaker
Etymology
From French documentaire, from document.
Full origin of documentary →Frequently asked questions
What does “documentary” mean?
The word “documentary” means a film or program that presents facts about a real subject. In plain terms, a factual film, or something based on real records rather than fiction.
How do you pronounce “documentary”?
“Documentary” is pronounced dok-yuu-MEHN-tree (/ˌdɑ.kjəˈmɛn.tə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “documentary” in a sentence?
Here is “documentary” used in a sentence: “We watched a documentary about coral reefs last night.”
What is the opposite of “documentary”?
The opposite of “documentary” — its antonyms — is fiction.
What part of speech is “documentary”?
Depending on how it is used, “documentary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “documentary” come from?
The word “documentary” comes from French. From French documentaire, from document.
Is “documentary” a common word?
“Documentary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “documentary” have?
“Documentary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a film or program that presents facts about a real subject.
What is the difference between a documentary and a docudrama?
A documentary presents facts about a real subject, often using real footage, interviews, and narration. A docudrama dramatizes real events using actors and scripted scenes, so it recreates reality rather than recording it directly.
What is the difference between a documentary and a mockumentary?
A documentary genuinely presents facts about a real subject, while a mockumentary is a work of fiction that deliberately imitates the style of a documentary for comic or satirical effect. The mockumentary borrows the look of factual filmmaking but tells an invented story.
What is the difference between a documentary and a docuseries?
A documentary is usually a single self-contained film about a real subject, while a docuseries tells its factual story across multiple episodes. A docuseries allows a topic to be explored in more depth over several parts.
