imaginal

adjective

i-ˈma-jə-nᵊl How to pronounce imaginal (audio)
Definition of imaginalnext
1
as in graphic
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 imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination the equator is merely an imaginal line

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 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 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
  1. graphic
  2. imaginary
  3. visual
  4. mythical
  5. photographic
  6. fictional
  7. pictorial
  8. fictitious
Adjective
  • As the graphic below shows, Fernandez-Pardo is comfortable running in-behind down the channels and sending in crosses, as well as beating his defender and cutting balls back for team-mates.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The Scotland campaign features chunky cable-knit, jacquard, Fair Isle, graphic intarsia and patchwork knits along with V-neck pullovers and cardigans.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of graphic
Adjective
  • Where travel still leaves room for people The goal isn't to return to some imaginary golden age of travel.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There isn’t even a drastic generational shift between that imaginary cast and this film’s actual one.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of imaginary
Adjective
  • In public situations — ref meetings, pitches and podcast studios — there was a visual and verbal swagger that was there for all to see and hear.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps this saga of planetary conquest is also a sly commentary on Hollywood imperialism, in which even the most far-flung of small-town tales must be overwhelmed by big-name stars in visual-effects drag.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of visual
Adjective
  • Only Frenchman Paret-Peintre, winner up the mythical Mont Ventoux at last year’s Tour de France, was able to follow — with the powerful Van Aert easily winning the sprint for the line.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Norway Pavilion once included a ride called Maelstrom, which took riders through the Norwegian fjords with Vikings and mythic trolls.
    — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of mythical
Adjective
  • The exhibition brings together five distinct photographic series created between 1979 and 2008, placing them in dialogue to highlight how Lynch used the lens as a bridge between his filmmaking and visual art practices.
    — Robert Lang, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
  • According to Cuisinart’s recall website, consumers can follow a recall registration process and submit photographic proof of the brush to receive a refund or coupon.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of photographic
Adjective
  • In the footage, players follow the story of Jason and Lucia, a couple living in the fictional Vice City, who are picking up drugs, and their mission is thwarted by the police, who begin to raid the place.
    — Moises Mendez II, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Claire Foy will also star in the film, playing a fictional reporter of The Sun that acts as a composite of various female reporters of the time period.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of fictional
Adjective
  • In childhood, in adulthood, in her old age, Evans was besotted by dreams, turbulent, awesome, pictorial dreams.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
  • These pictorial cards also capture scenes along the Fox River, as well as schools, churches, hotels, historic buildings, bridges, the railroad, events and celebrations.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of pictorial
Adjective
  • The April indictment accused the organization of secretly funneling millions of dollars in donor funds to informants embedded in violent extremist movements, using bank accounts opened for fictitious companies.
    — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The inaugural Ig Nobel Prize ceremony honored three fictitious achievers; all recipients in subsequent years (barring a 1994 award based on inaccurate reporting) have been real people.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fictitious

Browse Nearby Words

imaginably
imaginal
imaginary
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Cite this Entry

“Imaginal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginal. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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