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
So Americans may save figurative pennies—while foreigners lose access to lifesaving drugs entirely.
—
Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Anything — weeds, stoplights, peeling paint — can inspire her bright, intense figurative paintings.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 June 2025
Shapiro created many of these in the early part of his career, responding to the then-current craze for huge abstract pieces with tiny figurative forms.
—News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2025
Left field has been a figurative black hole for the Braves, with four players combining to produce a .213 average with just two home runs, a .281 slugging percentage that ranks 29th in the majors at the position and a .547 OPS that’s 28th.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Anything — weeds, stoplights, peeling paint — can inspire her bright, intense figurative paintings.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 June 2025
Shapiro created many of these in the early part of his career, responding to the then-current craze for huge abstract pieces with tiny figurative forms.
—News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2025
Left field has been a figurative black hole for the Braves, with four players combining to produce a .213 average with just two home runs, a .281 slugging percentage that ranks 29th in the majors at the position and a .547 OPS that’s 28th.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 14 June 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
-
There's a gallery wall with pieces that are symbolic of some sort of lyric.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
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In December 1950, four Scottish college students snatched the stone from Westminster Abbey as a symbolic show of support for Scottish independence.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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