as in metaphoric
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
Parked along the beach, there’s a moment to consider how the figurative tide is changing.
—
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
The interior is not only a literal and figurative reflection of the exterior, where the family spends most of their time on the lake and grounds, but its new floor plan was conceived, Brent explains, by looking at the key moments in the family’s day as concentric ripples on water.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Burns and his colleagues are figurative heirs to Jansky, Penzias, and Wilson.
—IEEE Spectrum, 20 Jan. 2026
So everyone confuses literal with figurative; literally, who cares?
—Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
The interior is not only a literal and figurative reflection of the exterior, where the family spends most of their time on the lake and grounds, but its new floor plan was conceived, Brent explains, by looking at the key moments in the family’s day as concentric ripples on water.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Burns and his colleagues are figurative heirs to Jansky, Penzias, and Wilson.
—IEEE Spectrum, 20 Jan. 2026
So everyone confuses literal with figurative; literally, who cares?
—Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurative
Adjective
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But Bad Bunny also pulled a few other tricks out of his metaphorical hat for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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Putting, say, ceramist Magdalene Odundo on the same metaphorical pedestal as artist Huma Bhabha is another.—
Julie Belcove,
Robb Report,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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However, giving in to January’s grayness — both literal and figural — is not the only option.—
Morayo Ogunbayo,
AJC.com,
1 Jan. 2026
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The figural birds are crafted in platinum and 18-karat gold with gemstones — appearing to perch upon the wearer.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In this case, that ball happens to be the complex that serves as the symbolic seat of the nation’s vibrant, messy, questioning, deeply political and hugely alive arts and culture scene.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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While the raw metal value of Olympic medals is small compared with the millions of dollars athletes invest in training, their collective and symbolic value often far exceeds their material worth.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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