as in metaphorical
expressing one thing in terms normally used for another
the figurative use of "allergy" to mean "a feeling of dislike"
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of figurative
Left field has been a figurative black hole for the Braves, with four players combining to produce a .213 average with just two home runs, a .281 slugging percentage that ranks 29th in the majors at the position and a .547 OPS that’s 28th.
—
David O'Brien, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Among the players connected to the disappearance are a wide and varied cast of Austin characters: an up-and-coming boxer who crossed the border from Mexico under strange circumstances, a rookie cop determined to crack the case, a grifter clown (figurative and literal).
—Lucas Schaefer
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
The weathered steel structure was designed as a figurative and physical frame for the community to sit and reflect on the lake.
—James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
That literal black eye will heal, but the figurative ones Tesla and Musk’s reputation have received from his political activities are likely to linger.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
David O'Brien, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Among the players connected to the disappearance are a wide and varied cast of Austin characters: an up-and-coming boxer who crossed the border from Mexico under strange circumstances, a rookie cop determined to crack the case, a grifter clown (figurative and literal).
—Lucas Schaefer
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
The weathered steel structure was designed as a figurative and physical frame for the community to sit and reflect on the lake.
—James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
That literal black eye will heal, but the figurative ones Tesla and Musk’s reputation have received from his political activities are likely to linger.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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For the first time since the 1980s, the Islamic Republic faced a direct military assault from another regional power that targeted not only its military assets, but the symbolic and political heart of the regime itself.—
Sanam Vakil,
Time,
26 June 2025
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Iran’s retaliatory strike was meant to be symbolic, while leaving an exit ramp open for all sides, the Times reported.—
Christina Wilkie,Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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