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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Recent Examples of figurative
This is all well above the figurative pay grade of Dunk, a simple, hulking youth who grew up squiring for Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb).
—
Judy Berman, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
The Aztecs, though, somehow maintained their footing in the figurative sense Tuesday and didn’t fall.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Andrzejek thinks the Gophers (7-5) will punch above their figurative weight.
—Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 22 Dec. 2025
The walls were packed with nudes for all tastes, from figurative paintings to demure photos and artworks that skirted the human form topic all together; a painting of a a lemon had sold before the event even started, via the online silent auction.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Judy Berman, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
The Aztecs, though, somehow maintained their footing in the figurative sense Tuesday and didn’t fall.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Andrzejek thinks the Gophers (7-5) will punch above their figurative weight.
—Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 22 Dec. 2025
The walls were packed with nudes for all tastes, from figurative paintings to demure photos and artworks that skirted the human form topic all together; a painting of a a lemon had sold before the event even started, via the online silent auction.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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Onanism, albeit of the metaphorical kind, is the very charge Wallace levies against Updike in that review from 1997.—
Hermione Hoby,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
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That statement was understood at the time as a metaphorical expression of the depth of Republican voters’ commitment to him.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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However, giving in to January’s grayness — both literal and figural — is not the only option.—
Morayo Ogunbayo,
AJC.com,
1 Jan. 2026
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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
Adjective
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The European Union agreed Thursday to list Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the bloc's top diplomat said, in a largely symbolic move that adds to international pressure on the Islamic Republic.—
SAM McNEIL AND JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Fremont has been central to Tesla’s US operations, making the change a symbolic break from the company’s earlier focus on high-end electric vehicles.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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