figurative

adjective

ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv How to pronounce figurative (audio)
Definition of figurativenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of figurative There’s a tranquil adults-only atmosphere here, soundtracked by calming music and decorated with figurative wooden and golden statues by local sculptors Aron Demetz and Peter Senoner. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Rest assured, the only demons in Phony appear to be figurative. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 Viewers can ponder Dunham’s dramatic stylistic shift from abstract forms to cartoonish figurative images through the exhibition’s 50 career-spanning works. — Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 Columbus forged a figurative path that Italian and other immigrants still follow to the United States. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
  1. metaphoric
  2. figural
  3. symbolic
Adjective
  • And because every song title is biblical, it’s just layered with meaning, both metaphorical and literal.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026
  • And what about the creatures, the metaphorical vessels invented to carry so many undefinable feelings?
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of metaphoric
Adjective
  • Bernard, the fabricator of phrases, is the book’s second devotee of metaphor, therefore also the first to beguile the others with the potential and pitfalls of figural language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
  • From figural bakers to upgraded pans, the new collection takes fall baking to a whole other level.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of figural
Adjective
  • Securing ‘quick, symbolic victories’ in convoluted conflict Security experts like Diego Da Rin, Haiti analyst for International Crisis Group, have cast doubt on Bukele’s ability to replicate his model to vanquish Haiti’s gangs.
    — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • This new international body represented change but also continuity, enabling Britain to maintain a global (but mostly symbolic) presence at a time when its real geopolitical power was rapidly in retreat.
    — Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of symbolic

Browse Nearby Words

figural
figurative
figure
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Cite this Entry

“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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