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

In Rouy’s experience, figurative painting was once seen as embarrassingly retrograde.

— David Lê, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2026
Her time spent dancing quickly spun itself into Cabrera’s dancer-like, strong figurative sculptures that could as easily evoke fertility or appear as merged couples.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of figurative

Adjective

Problem spaces are the metaphorical regions that our minds have to navigate to get from a problem to a solution.

— Chris Borland, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Here, your guide to the metaphorical — and literal — cream of the crop for fall, coming in ranging intensities and fruity and dessert-like varieties.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of metaphoric

Adjective

But along with political and practical advantages of navigating through complex new airspace in a range of temperatures, Pegase 26 is highly symbolic.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
One possible clue lies in the fact that the moringa tree in particular held a special symbolic significance to ancient Egyptians.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of figural

adjective

Example Sentences

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