Definition of tropicalnext
1
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

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2
as in metaphoric
expressing one thing in terms normally used for another an author given to high-flown tropical phrasings and convoluted symbology

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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 tropical An El Niño creates a much narrower band of warm water, Leising explained, bringing species such as tropical sea snakes or red crabs up the coast. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026 Yet, Southeast Asia’s sultry, tropical climate presents a unique challenge for its data centers, which require more energy than counterparts in cooler climates to keep servers up and running. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 Docents explain native and tropical residents, and a feeding schedule allows visitors to watch. Susan McDonald, The Providence Journal, 26 Mar. 2026 Despite a prediction of a slow hurricane season, up to five tropical systems could still make an impact on the United States this year, according to the forecast released Wednesday by AccuWeather. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tropical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tropical
Adjective
  • This is an area of low pressure that forms west to northwest of Hawai’i during the cool season (November through March) and often taps into subtropical moisture.
    Jen Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Many plants sold as gifts, such as the Norfolk Island pines popular as living Christmas trees, are tropical or subtropical species.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • A little speck on the metaphorical Southlake Carroll wall that’s been historically dominated by its eight-time state champion football program.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Miami’s strong Bahamian and Caribbean influence was the metaphorical cherry on top.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • During El Niño phases, east-to-west trade winds over the equatorial Pacific relax, causing warm surface water to accumulate off the Pacific coast of Central and South American.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
  • El Nino refers to the warmer-than-average phase of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural cycle where sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific rise and fall.
    Dan Peck, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And just a figurative trolley ride away, at the Heinz History Center, visitors can step inside the neighborhood itself, exploring original sets and props from the beloved series.
    Christopher DeRose, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Among regime critics, the new leader’s lack of presence – both literal and figurative – has prompted ridicule.
    Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The number distilled the North Beach revue (which closed New Year’s Eve 2019) famous for its oversized figural hats, musical parodies and fairy-tale characters into 11.5 minutes.
    Culture Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The holders come in a set of two, adorned with figural bunnies.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Since 2002, the show has been closely associated with Hollywood Boulevard, where the red carpet runs alongside the Walk of Fame and, for one night a year, the area becomes the symbolic center of the film industry.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2026
  • For now, there is no opening date – only a sign, and commitment, and in a recovery defined by uncertainty in a community where these moments are deeply symbolic.
    Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tropical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tropical. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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