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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Recent Examples of figurative
The weathered steel structure was designed as a figurative and physical frame for the community to sit and reflect on the lake.
—
James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
That literal black eye will heal, but the figurative ones Tesla and Musk’s reputation have received from his political activities are likely to linger.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
In March, an exhibition of works by Jenny Saville, the British artist known for her large-scale figurative paintings, went on display at the Albertina Museum, in Vienna.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Indeed, Eugenio, whose large-scale figurative paintings have been exhibited across Europe, Latin America, and the US, exerts a fatherly influence across the campo.
—Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
That literal black eye will heal, but the figurative ones Tesla and Musk’s reputation have received from his political activities are likely to linger.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
In March, an exhibition of works by Jenny Saville, the British artist known for her large-scale figurative paintings, went on display at the Albertina Museum, in Vienna.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Indeed, Eugenio, whose large-scale figurative paintings have been exhibited across Europe, Latin America, and the US, exerts a fatherly influence across the campo.
—Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
-
The company dates back to the late 1930s and is known for its sweet candles in figural shapes such as Santas, snowmen, and carolers.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
26 Nov. 2024
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The company dates back to the late 1930s and is known for its sweet candles in figural shapes such as Santas, snowmen, and carolers.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
For the first time since the 1980s, the Islamic Republic faced a direct military assault from another regional power that targeted not only its military assets, but the symbolic and political heart of the regime itself.—
Sanam Vakil,
Time,
26 June 2025
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Iran’s retaliatory strike was meant to be symbolic, while leaving an exit ramp open for all sides, the Times reported.—
Christina Wilkie,Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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