tropical

adjective

ˈträ-pi-kəl How to pronounce tropical (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 Olive ridleys are normally found throughout tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, with large nesting populations in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Upstairs, the primary suite has a big plus — its own (covered) balcony overlooking the lush, tropical surroundings. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 Now arrives Sarti Rosa, a tropical-fruity swerve from the very company that played such an outsize role in the spread of bitter drinks. — M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026 The elimination of the imaginary Kong Mountains and knowledge of a shorter travel distance through the dense tropical forest accelerated French colonization of the region. — Thomas J Bassett, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tropical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tropical
  1. subtropical
  2. metaphoric
  3. equatorial
  4. figurative
  5. figural
  6. symbolic
Adjective
  • The National Hurricane Center gives the disturbance a 20% chance of developing into a subtropical or tropical system within the next 48 hours and a 40% chance within the next seven days.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Tall grasses, subtropical forest, and birdsong envelop the property in 360-degree wilderness, encouraging an instinctive shift down a gear.
    — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of subtropical
Adjective
  • This presence takes on a metaphorical weight, too, as the snoop becomes something of a guardian angel for the unsuspecting people downstairs.
    — Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
  • At no time of year are Washington’s ghosts (metaphorical and literal) more present than around Halloween, when the rowhouses transform into haunted houses and the city comes alive with events celebrating the undead.
    — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of metaphoric
Adjective
  • Such a process, which would be similar to the formation of Earth's moon, could explain their circular, equatorial orbits.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The primary driver of the forecast is a powerful El Niño event anchored across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
    — Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of equatorial
Adjective
  • The more figurative gouaches include mysterious imagery such as pyramids, pulsing, planet-like orbs and even some camels.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • At its core, Wisocky says, forcing Hetty to take a literal and figurative look in the mirror is what the CBS comedy series is all about.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of figurative
Adjective
  • Bernard, the fabricator of phrases, is the book’s second devotee of metaphor, therefore also the first to beguile the others with the potential and pitfalls of figural language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
  • From figural bakers to upgraded pans, the new collection takes fall baking to a whole other level.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of figural
Adjective
  • But ending the supermajority may be a more symbolic win than a substantial political victory.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Anticipatory staircases aside, no amount of symbolic literacy can prepare you for a K-town elevator panel.
    — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of symbolic

Browse Nearby Words

tropic
tropical
tropological
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Cite this Entry

“Tropical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tropical. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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