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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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 Our words are a figurative sword and instrument of action under this transit. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
  1. metaphoric
  2. figural
  3. symbolic
Adjective
  • If the truck and the Walkman were metaphorical beacons, a modest gold, rope necklace and Jeff Kent’s mustache were concealed anchors even when in plain sight.
    — Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
  • What happens if the characters’ attempts to move past true love’s first kiss run into a metaphorical — or perhaps vaginal — brick wall?
    — Hayley Fleming, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Definition of metaphoric
Adjective
  • The holders come in a set of two, adorned with figural bunnies.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Display of a walking staff with a figural head and wooden ladles reveal a history of carving among the cultures Lewis was raised in.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of figural
Adjective
  • The post was originally written in response to a Vox article warning millennials were unprepared for a coming eldercare crisis, and its resurgence this July coincided with the symbolic milestone of the first boomers turning 80.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • Last week, the House extended a symbolic rebuke to Trump by approving a resolution to curb the war with a 214 to 208 vote.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 31 July 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on figurative

Nglish: Translation of figurative for Spanish Speakers

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