Synonyms of figurative

figurative

adjective

ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv 

as in metaphoric

expressing one thing in terms normally used for another

the figurative use of "allergy" to mean "a feeling of dislike"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• metaphoric
• figural
• symbolic
• tropological
• tropical
• extended
• allegorical
• emblematic
• euphemistic
• nonliteral
• veritable
• Aesopian
• catachrestic
• sylleptic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• literal
• nonfigurative
• nonmetaphorical
• nonsymbolic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of figurative

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

Avery proved that figurative artists, in trying to represent the observable world, can be as free in their choices as any abstract painter. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Clear non-starters with Ellison and Para execs, the agenda points also reflect the wide figurative and literal distance between the AGs, their lawsuit partners the WGA and the Melrose lot. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026