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
Our top picks include figurative candles shaped like cake, summer scents to whisk you away from winter, and unique bubble glass holders.
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Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 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
There was Hugh Grant as a fiendishly charming religious zealot in Heretic, Naomi Scott as a pop star fighting both literal and figurative demons in Smile 2, and Justice Smith as a shy teen who develops an obsession with a cult horror series in I Saw the TV Glow.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
Though Baer’s figurative paintings have begun receiving their due after years of being overlooked, her Minimalist paintings have also been seen widely in recent years.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 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
There was Hugh Grant as a fiendishly charming religious zealot in Heretic, Naomi Scott as a pop star fighting both literal and figurative demons in Smile 2, and Justice Smith as a shy teen who develops an obsession with a cult horror series in I Saw the TV Glow.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
Though Baer’s figurative paintings have begun receiving their due after years of being overlooked, her Minimalist paintings have also been seen widely in recent years.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Cite this Entry
“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurative. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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