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 The figurative scales of justice are totally out of whack now. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 Of course, this could all be a literally and figurative swift ruse on the part of the Miss Americana superstar and her Super Bowl-winning fiancé. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 June 2026 Only two mourners were present at the funeral of renowned British figurative painter David Hockney, who died June 11 at the age of eighty-eight The Guardian reports. — News Desk, Artforum, 22 June 2026 Food can cross borders both literal and figurative, even when people cannot. — Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
  1. metaphoric
  2. figural
  3. symbolic
Adjective
  • Raven ended a years-long reprieve from public life by using metaphorical interpretations of water and emergence to lay out the importance of intentional solitude.
    — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • In the Green New Deal discussion, though, this hypothetical meat ban effectively functioned as metaphorical shortcut for progressive political overreach.
    — David Rooney, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
Definition of metaphoric
Adjective
  • The holders come in a set of two, adorned with figural bunnies.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Definition of figural
Adjective
  • The west is symbolic of death in mythology, but also connected to the land of Elysium, the final resting place for Greek heroes.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
  • Just under 11 months later, Rodriguez decided to make a direct symbolic strike at China on their (sort of) soil.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 July 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on figurative

Nglish: Translation of figurative for Spanish Speakers

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