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figurative

adjective

ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv How to pronounce figurative (audio)
Definition of figurativenext
as in metaphoric
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

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 figurative 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 This track-only tour de force pays homage to the Interceptor that was brought to market in 1966 by Jenson Motors, a manufacturer active for roughly five decades until running out of figurative gas in 1976. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026 Rather, Homo carbonicus is a figurative abstraction, a collective consciousness, an interpersonal framework for defining problems and seeking solutions. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
  1. metaphoric
  2. figural
  3. symbolic
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
  • Bernard, the fabricator of phrases, is the book’s second devotee of metaphor, therefore also the first to beguile the others with the potential and pitfalls of figural language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
  • From figural bakers to upgraded pans, the new collection takes fall baking to a whole other level.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of figural
Adjective
  • Now Santa Monica, perhaps fittingly, has its own symbolic project as Nancy Meyers’ next film Paris Paramount has shot on-location in the city.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Despite its informal format, the encounter carries considerable symbolic significance after decades of strained relations between Washington and Caracas.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of symbolic

Browse Nearby Words

figural
figurative
figure
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Cite this Entry

“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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