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
Relevance
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
The Aztecs, though, somehow maintained their footing in the figurative sense Tuesday and didn’t fall.
—
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Andrzejek thinks the Gophers (7-5) will punch above their figurative weight.
—Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 22 Dec. 2025
The walls were packed with nudes for all tastes, from figurative paintings to demure photos and artworks that skirted the human form topic all together; a painting of a a lemon had sold before the event even started, via the online silent auction.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
If artists were making figurative work, that renewed impulse and allure only spoke to an urgent need to process just how thoroughly ordinary life was already permeated, and recast, by artifice and invention.
—Tim Griffin, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Andrzejek thinks the Gophers (7-5) will punch above their figurative weight.
—Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 22 Dec. 2025
The walls were packed with nudes for all tastes, from figurative paintings to demure photos and artworks that skirted the human form topic all together; a painting of a a lemon had sold before the event even started, via the online silent auction.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
If artists were making figurative work, that renewed impulse and allure only spoke to an urgent need to process just how thoroughly ordinary life was already permeated, and recast, by artifice and invention.
—Tim Griffin, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
-
Onanism, albeit of the metaphorical kind, is the very charge Wallace levies against Updike in that review from 1997.—
Hermione Hoby,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
-
That statement was understood at the time as a metaphorical expression of the depth of Republican voters’ commitment to him.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
However, giving in to January’s grayness — both literal and figural — is not the only option.—
Morayo Ogunbayo,
AJC.com,
1 Jan. 2026
-
The figural birds are crafted in platinum and 18-karat gold with gemstones — appearing to perch upon the wearer.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
At that time, the Turlock City Council refused to allocate a symbolic $1 and a letter of support that would have unlocked more than $270,000 in state funding for the city's only low-barrier shelter.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The designation is more symbolic than anything, according to PAHO.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
