FIGURAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

figural

adjective

ˈfi-g(y)ə-rəl

Definition of figural

as in figurative

expressing one thing in terms normally used for another "a candidate running for office" is just a figural expression

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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 figural Display of a walking staff with a figural head and wooden ladles reveal a history of carving among the cultures Lewis was raised in. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 Feb. 2026 However, giving in to January’s grayness — both literal and figural — is not the only option. — Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 1 Jan. 2026 The figural birds are crafted in platinum and 18-karat gold with gemstones — appearing to perch upon the wearer. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025 Austria, Germany, and Japan became famous for exporting figural bulbs. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for figural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for figural

Adjective

The central theme was the figurative — and literal — significance of passing the ball, including asking audience members to ponder what their passing game is like and the ramifications of being a ball hog.

— Vahe Gregorian July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
These forms, or these masses that are part figurative, part abstract—that’s also how Jarvaise built his paintings.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of figurative

Adjective

The scene is a Pyrrhic victory, however, because its self-transcending metaphorical power only emphasizes the blandly literal hour and a half that came before.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
In other words, the metaphorical coin must be weighted—in this case, by hominins doing things on purpose, like laying their dead to rest in the narrow, twisting darkness of Rising Star.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026

Definition of metaphoric

Adjective

Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight).

— Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Jordan Smith Councilors rejected a symbolic demand for reforms at the Indy office that targets the root causes of violent crime, after a recent audit found oversight lapses and potential conflicts of interest while the spending rose.

— Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 9 July 2026

Definition of symbolic

Browse Nearby Words

figs

figural

figurative

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“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of figural

adjective

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