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

Among the others in the welcoming committee are Diana, Mike’s devoted wife of nearly half a century, John Vincent, his figurative adoptive son, and Kira Novak, Vincent’s companion. — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

The chaotic, violence-laden sequence is but the first of many in a film that aspires to classic Hollywood action movie status but reduces its effectiveness through overkill of both the literal and figurative kind. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

In Rouy’s experience, figurative painting was once seen as embarrassingly retrograde. — David Lê, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2026

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