1
as in graphical
consisting of or relating to pictures
after a desensitizing series of imaginal exposures to the feared object, the phobic person is then exposed to the actual object
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in mythic
not real and existing only in the imagination
the equator is merely an imaginal line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imaginal
Peter [Merry] likes to use is that, when a caterpillar is becoming a butterfly, new ‘imaginal cells’ emerge.
—
Big Think, 7 Aug. 2025
With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024
Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice.
—USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
Then, from bundles of cells known as imaginal disks, a new body takes form.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023
Big Think, 7 Aug. 2025
With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024
Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice.
—USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
Then, from bundles of cells known as imaginal disks, a new body takes form.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginal
Adjective
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Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.—
Becca Martin-Brown,
Arkansas Online,
4 Sep. 2025
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Investigators said the contractor engaged extensively with users on the platform, viewing graphic photos and videos while on duty and even using his government computer to chat with people posting explicit content.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There is another way to identify and engage with subcultures that doesn’t begin with constructing imaginary segments.—
Kian Bakhtiari,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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Now it's woke again for trying to wipe an imaginary farmer from its logo.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In explaining the oversight for such a highly visual social media app, Meta claimed limited resources and higher priorities.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Some focus on breathing, others on a visual image, mantra, or sound.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Over at Metropolitan State University, the on-campus gallery is presenting works from five Twin Cities Latino artists working across paintings, puppetry, photography and more focused on bestiarios, or fantastical, mythical beasts.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
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Renewal Through Setback Erik Marthon Olsen of Laerdal Invest chose the phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Christensen’s own photographic prints inspired by flora and fauna have been featured in BoConcept stores and galleries and gave birth to the spring summer 2025 Flora collection of home accessories, which is an extension of her creative universe.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
2 Sep. 2025
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Rogen will certainly have plenty of photographic evidence to pull from for inspiration.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As Newton soon learned, there is a long runway between playing a fictitious, Regency-era ladies’ man and becoming one of the most recognizable designers in pop culture.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vogue,
5 Sep. 2025
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The film is set in New Mexico, in the fictitious title town—population of two thousand four hundred and thirty-five, according to a road sign—where the election year sees the mayor also up for reëlection.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Yeager was one of Hef’s go-to photographers, shooting eight centerfolds along with pictorial spreads.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
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As for the pictorial tattoos on Abrego Garcia’s hand, marijuana leaves, crosses and skulls are widely used by people who do not belong to gangs.—
Louis Jacobson,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, and Ciara, along with Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters stars EJAE, REI AMI and Audrey Nuna, who make up the fictional group Huntr/x will serve as presenters throughout the evening.—
Marina Watts,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Binge the autumn episodes or watch the whole thing again for the millionth time to enjoy a fictional fall getaway.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imaginal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginal. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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