as in metaphorical
expressing one thing in terms normally used for another
the figurative use of "allergy" to mean "a feeling of dislike"
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Recent Examples of figurative
Alaska’s history as a literal and figurative bridge between not only the Americas and Asia but also between Europe and Asia will gain prominence with climate change.
—
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Danielle McKinney’s 2023 figurative painting Stand Still surged to a hammer price of $220,000, more than five times its $40,000 estimate—following competitive bidding between multiple Sotheby’s specialists on the phone.
—Robb Report, 18 May 2025
Attempting to rid herself of the figurative monster sabotaging her life, the woman unleashes a real ancestral monster under the floorboards of her home.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 14 May 2025
May 9 Public Tour — Auguste Rodin: A century after his death, Auguste Rodin continues to be recognized for making figurative sculpture modern by redefining the expressive capacity of the human form.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Danielle McKinney’s 2023 figurative painting Stand Still surged to a hammer price of $220,000, more than five times its $40,000 estimate—following competitive bidding between multiple Sotheby’s specialists on the phone.
—Robb Report, 18 May 2025
Attempting to rid herself of the figurative monster sabotaging her life, the woman unleashes a real ancestral monster under the floorboards of her home.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 14 May 2025
May 9 Public Tour — Auguste Rodin: A century after his death, Auguste Rodin continues to be recognized for making figurative sculpture modern by redefining the expressive capacity of the human form.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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The company dates back to the late 1930s and is known for its sweet candles in figural shapes such as Santas, snowmen, and carolers.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
26 Nov. 2024
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The company dates back to the late 1930s and is known for its sweet candles in figural shapes such as Santas, snowmen, and carolers.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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In other words, more than anything, the FDA’s new rules are largely symbolic.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Rolling Stone,
21 May 2025
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But for those who work in wine, the moment is symbolic.—
Jessica Dupuy,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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