as in metaphorical
expressing one thing in terms normally used for another
the figurative use of "allergy" to mean "a feeling of dislike"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 house is aiming to showcase figurative contradictions within its latest arrivals: two blousons in different sizes used multiple times throughout the collection as a means of showcasing its versatility.
—
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
There’s a literal meaning, and then there’s a figurative meaning.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Straightforward passages turn into figurative reflections and allusive pathways….No poet is more mercurial while frank, more understated while exacting, or more enlightened while inquisitive.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
John Henryism involves pressure not just to be good but to be impossibly good—superhuman, better than a machine, whether the machine is literal (the steam drill) or figurative (systemic racism).
—Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
There’s a literal meaning, and then there’s a figurative meaning.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Straightforward passages turn into figurative reflections and allusive pathways….No poet is more mercurial while frank, more understated while exacting, or more enlightened while inquisitive.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
John Henryism involves pressure not just to be good but to be impossibly good—superhuman, better than a machine, whether the machine is literal (the steam drill) or figurative (systemic racism).
—Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
-
In the investment world, we’re taught not to catch the metaphorical falling knife, or to invest when a business or an asset is losing its value.—
Vilius Kavaliauskas,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
But what if a woman grows up not in a metaphorical cult but in a real one?—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.—
Jan Tumlir,
Artforum,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The symbolic weight of the Golden Lion matters, not just to the artists but to the entire field.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The ruling landed as a symbolic rebuke of Musk’s sway over Tesla, and a warning about the excesses of Silicon Valley’s cult-of-founder ethos.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share