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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Recent Examples of figurative
Now on its final chapter, Cartier’s Nature Sauvage high jewelry collection pushed further the figurative fantasies that stage animals in imaginary locales and situations.
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Lily Templeton, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025
Ten minutes down the road, the village of Bethel offers figurative and literal gems like the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum.
—Miles Howard, AFAR Media, 6 Feb. 2025
The mise-en-scène elevates Chongqing to the role of a character in its own right, bringing both literal and figurative color to the story.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
The title is both a literal and figurative exploration, with four dancers spending most of their time confined to a square, white section of floor acting as the quartet’s sandbox.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Lily Templeton, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025
Ten minutes down the road, the village of Bethel offers figurative and literal gems like the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum.
—Miles Howard, AFAR Media, 6 Feb. 2025
The mise-en-scène elevates Chongqing to the role of a character in its own right, bringing both literal and figurative color to the story.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
The title is both a literal and figurative exploration, with four dancers spending most of their time confined to a square, white section of floor acting as the quartet’s sandbox.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Articles Related to figurative
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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