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
The figurative tomorrow’s problem is disposing of everything.
—
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Parked along the beach, there’s a moment to consider how the figurative tide is changing.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
The interior is not only a literal and figurative reflection of the exterior, where the family spends most of their time on the lake and grounds, but its new floor plan was conceived, Brent explains, by looking at the key moments in the family’s day as concentric ripples on water.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Burns and his colleagues are figurative heirs to Jansky, Penzias, and Wilson.
—IEEE Spectrum, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Parked along the beach, there’s a moment to consider how the figurative tide is changing.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
The interior is not only a literal and figurative reflection of the exterior, where the family spends most of their time on the lake and grounds, but its new floor plan was conceived, Brent explains, by looking at the key moments in the family’s day as concentric ripples on water.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Burns and his colleagues are figurative heirs to Jansky, Penzias, and Wilson.
—IEEE Spectrum, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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This offers an opportunity for domestic repairs (literal and metaphorical).—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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These stories reveal how movement, both literal and metaphorical, can propel the ongoing work of self-actualization.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 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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Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, a largely symbolic move as the country hasn’t executed anyone in decades.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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The symbolic unity pose was to declare the formal launch of the New Delhi Frontier AI Commitments, a set of voluntary principles adopted by leading AI companies at the summit to advance inclusive, responsible development of frontier AI models.—
Aditya Soni,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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