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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Recent Examples of figurative
Among regime critics, the new leader’s lack of presence – both literal and figurative – has prompted ridicule.
—
Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
View gallery - 4 images Many cultures explore the idea of a figurative third eye that enhances perception.
—Etiido Uko
march 14, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2026
Is that figurative or something that actually happened to you?
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
The split was messy and ugly, with figurative and literal shots fired, some of which left bullet holes in Sermon’s house while Redman still lived there.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
View gallery - 4 images Many cultures explore the idea of a figurative third eye that enhances perception.
—Etiido Uko
march 14, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2026
Is that figurative or something that actually happened to you?
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
The split was messy and ugly, with figurative and literal shots fired, some of which left bullet holes in Sermon’s house while Redman still lived there.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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But the Passover Seder also commences the 50-day historical journey to Mount Sinai, the metaphorical site where the Jewish people received the Torah, the laws and traditions that gave shape to their journey, their culture and societal structure.—
Michael Pfleger,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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In the first half, the house is haunted in a metaphorical sense.—
William Earl,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The number distilled the North Beach revue (which closed New Year’s Eve 2019) famous for its oversized figural hats, musical parodies and fairy-tale characters into 11.5 minutes.—
Culture Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
13 Mar. 2026
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The holders come in a set of two, adorned with figural bunnies.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Royal Maundy Service sees the sovereign distribute Maundy money, or special coins, to local pensioners (often retirees) in a service symbolic of Jesus washing the Apostles' feet at the last supper.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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The invitation also ties directly to America 250 celebrations, with congressional leaders highlighting the symbolic weight of the moment.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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