1
as in graphic
consisting of or relating to pictures
after a desensitizing series of imaginal exposures to the feared object, the phobic person is then exposed to the actual object
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination
the equator is merely an imaginal line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imaginal
Peter [Merry] likes to use is that, when a caterpillar is becoming a butterfly, new ‘imaginal cells’ emerge.
—
Big Think, 7 Aug. 2025
With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024
Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice.
—USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
Then, from bundles of cells known as imaginal disks, a new body takes form.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023
Big Think, 7 Aug. 2025
With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024
Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice.
—USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
Then, from bundles of cells known as imaginal disks, a new body takes form.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginal
Adjective
-
The collection featured packable men’s and women’s apparel and accessories in turquoise, navy, red and yellow; graphic prints fluid silhouettes and premium fabrics, and was an example of Banana gaining consumer relevance by tying into what was a popular television series.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
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Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.—
Sydney Sasser,
Arkansas Online,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Gaiman works like The Sandman and American Gods have served as inviting gateways to imaginary worlds for multiple generations of readers and viewers.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
-
By that time Dame Frances had established the idea of theaters of memory—imaginary architectural structures, replete with columns and alcoves and windows, where items can be placed for later recollection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The scene used one of the film’s funniest visual gags, an apartment so crazily tilted that nobody inside it could stand up straight.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
This approach preserves the visual identity of the original compact robot while adapting it to a far more demanding mechanical scale.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
-
Loosely based on the legends of the Nang Mai, Thailand’s mythical forest nymphs, the film is scripted by Patrick Graham, the writer behind Netflix’s Indian horror series Ghoul and Betaal, based on a concept by Songsak Mongkolthong (Graveyard Horror), who is also attached to direct.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Another painting in the cycle had been replaced by a yellowing photographic reproduction.—
Sebastian Smee,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
-
And in 1908, the university’s first female student’s photographic inquiries reveal sacred patterns of the universe hidden within the humblest of plants.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The series, which is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, England, follows an intense rivalry.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
The fictional character was highly logical, possessed great inner strength, exhibited loyalty, kept his emotions in check, and otherwise showcased admirable qualities.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Church, for all his scientific curiosity, was not moved to convert Darwinism into pictorial rhetoric.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The show traces the life and career of Ringgold, who introduced Black women’s pictorial, narrative and craft traditions.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Paul Dano is spin doctor and adviser Vadim Baranov, a fictitious character loosely inspired by real-life Russian politician Vladislav Surkov.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
-
That was a role model of a fictitious kind.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imaginal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginal. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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