TROPICAL Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

tropical

adjective

ˈträ-pi-kəl

Definition of tropical

as in subtropical

being near the equator wanted to escape winter and visit some tropical location where freezing to death would not be a possibility

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in metaphoric

expressing one thing in terms normally used for another an author given to high-flown tropical phrasings and convoluted symbology

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 tropical That combination will increase the exposure of California to stronger tropical systems during these months. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026 Available in a variety of vibrant, eye-catching tropical prints, this resort-ready wrap dress makes a statement without sacrificing comfort. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026 Diana treated Prince William and Prince Harry to a tropical getaway on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands in April 1990. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026 Summer may be synonymous with bright, punchy manicures, but not everyone reaches for neon or tropical hues. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tropical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tropical

Adjective

Cyclosporiasis isn't typically fatal, and people's bodies seem to get better at fighting it off in places where the parasite is more common, including tropical and subtropical regions.

— Pien Huang, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026
The building has been restored to its original 1915 appearance and contains more than 1,000 plants, representing over 180 species from subtropical and tropical areas around the world.

— Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026

Definition of subtropical

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

For example, El Niño's ultimate impacts depend on factors such as where the maximum heating takes place in the equatorial Pacific in the fall and early winter.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 July 2026
SpaceX is also eyeing an equatorial orbit when Starship flies on the Artemis IV mission, and NASA may already be quietly shifting the mission's landing site to a higher latitude.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of equatorial

Adjective

The central theme was the figurative — and literal — significance of passing the ball, including asking audience members to ponder what their passing game is like and the ramifications of being a ball hog.

— Vahe Gregorian July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
These forms, or these masses that are part figurative, part abstract—that’s also how Jarvaise built his paintings.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of figurative

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

tropic

tropical

tropological

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Cite this Entry

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“Tropical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tropical. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tropical

adjective

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