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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Public lands are figurative common ground, uniting people across the country.—
Tracy Stone-Manning,
Denver Post,
7 May 2025
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However, all was not lost for Stewart’s figurative niece.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
6 May 2025
Adjective
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Honora also pointed to the symbolic nature of the pope's ancestry.—
Elizabeth Thomas,
ABC News,
9 May 2025
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More symbolic may be the dagger tattoo on his left forearm.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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