FIGURAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

figural

adjective

ˈfi-g(y)ə-rəl

Definition of figural

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of figural Display of a walking staff with a figural head and wooden ladles reveal a history of carving among the cultures Lewis was raised in. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 Feb. 2026 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 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

Avery proved that figurative artists, in trying to represent the observable world, can be as free in their choices as any abstract painter.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
Susi Singer’s figurative candlestick has style and sass that owes at least partly to its earthenware origins, favored at the Werkstätte for its affordability over porcelain, but much less capable of refined shapes.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of figurative

Adjective

Manuel spoke with Variety about how the film relates to the colonial past of the country, and the metaphorical symbolism of the golf course.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Lush layers of melody and instrumentation submerges the listener in both metaphoric thought and shifting moods.

— Lina Lecaro, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of metaphoric

Adjective

Nominal damages are a small symbolic sum of money awarded when a legal right is violated.

— Jack Harvel August 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Cadet will work with architect Rodney Leon, who is also of Haitian descent, and who will advise on the interpretive writing and symbolic elements of the statue and its lighting and siting.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of symbolic

Browse Nearby Words

figs

figural

figurative

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“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of figural

adjective

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