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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Recent Examples of figural
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
As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.
—Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
Abstract painters, figural painters, composers, language poets . . .
—Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
The company dates back to the late 1930s and is known for its sweet candles in figural shapes such as Santas, snowmen, and carolers.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for figural
Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025
As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.
—Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
Abstract painters, figural painters, composers, language poets . . .
—Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
The company dates back to the late 1930s and is known for its sweet candles in figural shapes such as Santas, snowmen, and carolers.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for figural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figural
Adjective
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Among regime critics, the new leader’s lack of presence – both literal and figurative – has prompted ridicule.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
14 Mar. 2026
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View gallery - 4 images Many cultures explore the idea of a figurative third eye that enhances perception.—
Etiido Uko
March 14,
New Atlas,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Keeping this in mind, continue ahead for mind-bending travel destinations—some covered in mist, yes, others of the metaphorical variety.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
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Wright said the platform avoids comparing metaphorical apples to oranges and instead translates it into apples to apples.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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As development continues, the race between humans and machines may soon extend beyond symbolic comparisons.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Mar. 2026
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So while the floor debate may get heated, any vote that takes place on the bill is mostly symbolic, and all-but-certain to fail.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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