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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of figural
However, giving in to January’s grayness — both literal and figural — is not the only option.
—
Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 1 Jan. 2026
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
As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.
—Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
Austria, Germany, and Japan became famous for exporting figural bulbs.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for figural
Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 1 Jan. 2026
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
As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.
—Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
Austria, Germany, and Japan became famous for exporting figural bulbs.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for figural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figural
Adjective
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And just a figurative trolley ride away, at the Heinz History Center, visitors can step inside the neighborhood itself, exploring original sets and props from the beloved series.—
Christopher DeRose,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Among regime critics, the new leader’s lack of presence – both literal and figurative – has prompted ridicule.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But the Passover Seder also commences the 50-day historical journey to Mount Sinai, the metaphorical site where the Jewish people received the Torah, the laws and traditions that gave shape to their journey, their culture and societal structure.—
Michael Pfleger,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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In the first half, the house is haunted in a metaphorical sense.—
William Earl,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Royal Maundy Service sees the sovereign distribute Maundy money, or special coins, to local pensioners (often retirees) in a service symbolic of Jesus washing the Apostles' feet at the last supper.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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The invitation also ties directly to America 250 celebrations, with congressional leaders highlighting the symbolic weight of the moment.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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