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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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

If the truck and the Walkman were metaphorical beacons, a modest gold, rope necklace and Jeff Kent’s mustache were concealed anchors even when in plain sight.

— Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
What happens if the characters’ attempts to move past true love’s first kiss run into a metaphorical — or perhaps vaginal — brick wall?

— Hayley Fleming, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Definition of metaphoric

Adjective

The post was originally written in response to a Vox article warning millennials were unprepared for a coming eldercare crisis, and its resurgence this July coincided with the symbolic milestone of the first boomers turning 80.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Last week, the House extended a symbolic rebuke to Trump by approving a resolution to curb the war with a 214 to 208 vote.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 31 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of figural

adjective

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