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

Viewers can ponder Dunham’s dramatic stylistic shift from abstract forms to cartoonish figurative images through the exhibition’s 50 career-spanning works.

— Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
These combine interior and exterior figurative imagery from the tropical foliage and vibrant cityscapes around her, but can appear torn and fragmented.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of figurative

Adjective

Were tactical arrangements sufficient without symbolic signaling, police training would not need to be so heady, their demeanor so heavy.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Carlson’s essay offers a deeper look at the elaborate symbolic language surrounding 22, A Million, including the meanings behind the album’s unusual song titles and iconography.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of symbolic

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figs

figural

figurative

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“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of figural

adjective

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