as in metaphorical
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
In the contemporary landscape, Glasgow continues to be a crucible for innovation through alumni such as Jenny Saville, renowned for her large-scale, visceral figurative paintings that challenge conventional representations of the body.
—
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
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
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
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
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
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
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The process of securing the proper locations for a project is a metaphorical game of 3D chess in which the artistic vision of its creative team wages a strategic battle with logistical necessities and economic realities.—
Carole Horst,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
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In addition to his trio of Primetime Emmys, Obama's already substantial metaphorical trophy shelf includes two Children's and Family Emmy gongs, two Grammy awards, and a Nobel Peace Prize.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
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As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.—
Jan Tumlir,
Artforum,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Then, as with West Germany’s previous World Cup triumph, there was a symbolic defeat.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
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The milestone marks a symbolic win for the blue-chip index, highlighting the market’s resilience despite tariff concerns and signs of weakness in the economy.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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