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
Moments before the figurative crown was placed upon his head, Robert got a tender message from his sister.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
Her poem is about her broken home, literal and figurative.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
In a literal and figurative redrawing of the political map, Gavin Newsom‘s Proposition 50 has handily been passed by California voters.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Among the other standouts are Klimt’s Blooming Meadow (1908)—a sea of green grass and trees flecked with blue, yellow, and pink dabs of wildflowers—and six figurative bronzes by Matisse.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
Her poem is about her broken home, literal and figurative.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
In a literal and figurative redrawing of the political map, Gavin Newsom‘s Proposition 50 has handily been passed by California voters.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Among the other standouts are Klimt’s Blooming Meadow (1908)—a sea of green grass and trees flecked with blue, yellow, and pink dabs of wildflowers—and six figurative bronzes by Matisse.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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The tides—both the literal and the metaphorical ones within us—become more palpable.—
Danijela Pilic,
Glamour,
3 Jan. 2026
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But both Yemi and her bodyguard/fiancée Ennova Grey fear that the princess may never be able to swim back to the surface from Ursla’s literal and metaphorical darkness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 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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Back when Petro was a guerrilla, the M-19 carried out a symbolic operation to steal a sword that once belonged to the nineteenth-century liberator Simón Bolívar.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
15 Jan. 2026
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The challenge for Washington lies in avoiding the false choice between regime change by force, with unforeseen consequences, and spectacular but cynically symbolic action.—
Ali Vaez,
Time,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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