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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of figurative
In March, an exhibition of works by Jenny Saville, the British artist known for her large-scale figurative paintings, went on display at the Albertina Museum, in Vienna.
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Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Indeed, Eugenio, whose large-scale figurative paintings have been exhibited across Europe, Latin America, and the US, exerts a fatherly influence across the campo.
—Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Visitors also saw her figurative works on the themes of freedom and democracy, made in collaboration with the former South African statesman and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.
—Percy Zvomuya, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Most of her figurative heads function as metaphors for big ideas that lead us down introspective alleyways.
—Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Indeed, Eugenio, whose large-scale figurative paintings have been exhibited across Europe, Latin America, and the US, exerts a fatherly influence across the campo.
—Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Visitors also saw her figurative works on the themes of freedom and democracy, made in collaboration with the former South African statesman and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.
—Percy Zvomuya, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Most of her figurative heads function as metaphors for big ideas that lead us down introspective alleyways.
—Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes.com, 28 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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This delay means that younger Gen Xers and Millennials, who may have already navigated significant financial milestones—like buying a home or sending kids to college—without that anticipated boost, may find inheritances to be more symbolic than transformative.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Many experts say no — despite the opposition’s vow to file a complaint with the Organization of American States, a move that may be more symbolic than substantial.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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