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

The figurative scales of justice are totally out of whack now. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026

Of course, this could all be a literally and figurative swift ruse on the part of the Miss Americana superstar and her Super Bowl-winning fiancé. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 June 2026

Only two mourners were present at the funeral of renowned British figurative painter David Hockney, who died June 11 at the age of eighty-eight The Guardian reports. — News Desk, Artforum, 22 June 2026

Food can cross borders both literal and figurative, even when people cannot. — Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026