as in figurative
expressing one thing in terms normally used for another
"a candidate running for office" is just a figural expression
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Recent Examples of figural
The Temple also had early medieval ancestors called figural or figured poems.
—
V.m. Braganza, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023
Along with Claes Oldenburg and Ed Kienholz, Segal (1924-2000) was one of the principal figures to revitalize figural realism in the second half of the 20th century.
—John Wilmerding, WSJ, 3 Feb. 2023
There's something majestic about abstract or figural stained glass, which lets light in and offers privacy as well as colorful expression.
—Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 10 Jan. 2023
The back rest is decorated with a lion flanked by figural finials and the curved frame possesses oak leaves.
—Rodney Ho, ajc, 18 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for figural
V.m. Braganza, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023
Along with Claes Oldenburg and Ed Kienholz, Segal (1924-2000) was one of the principal figures to revitalize figural realism in the second half of the 20th century.
—John Wilmerding, WSJ, 3 Feb. 2023
There's something majestic about abstract or figural stained glass, which lets light in and offers privacy as well as colorful expression.
—Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 10 Jan. 2023
The back rest is decorated with a lion flanked by figural finials and the curved frame possesses oak leaves.
—Rodney Ho, ajc, 18 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for figural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figural
Adjective
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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
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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
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
“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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