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
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Recent Examples of figurative
Then there is zeugma, when a verb takes two objects, one literal and one figurative.
—
Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
The Broncos, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, Denver Water and community groups have all begun placing the figurative dominoes, toy race cars and pulley system that will make up the process to build the stadium.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Adorning the hotel is the literal and figurative larger-than-life image of Lionel Messi, the superstar who is among the few most famous people on earth.
—Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
Throughout his residency, Notham’s landscapes and figurative paintings will be on display, work that draws heavily from the traditions of American realism and Impressionism.
—Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
The Broncos, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, Denver Water and community groups have all begun placing the figurative dominoes, toy race cars and pulley system that will make up the process to build the stadium.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Adorning the hotel is the literal and figurative larger-than-life image of Lionel Messi, the superstar who is among the few most famous people on earth.
—Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
Throughout his residency, Notham’s landscapes and figurative paintings will be on display, work that draws heavily from the traditions of American realism and Impressionism.
—Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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Presented with an opportunity to finally confess his feelings to Nikki, our man screws the metaphorical pooch.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 June 2026
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Being on house arrest in the most recent installment, the murderous mom of two takes a break from putting on this metaphorical mask, allowing her vulnerability to show.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The number distilled the North Beach revue (which closed New Year’s Eve 2019) famous for its oversized figural hats, musical parodies and fairy-tale characters into 11.5 minutes.—
Culture Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
13 Mar. 2026
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The holders come in a set of two, adorned with figural bunnies.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But for the food historian, this is a marvelous insight into the symbolic role this particular item took on as the Renaissance gave way to the Reformation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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Obviously, calls from Democratic politicians for Boutros’ resignation are merely symbolic.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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