Definition of figuralnext
as in figurative
expressing one thing in terms normally used for another "a candidate running for office" is just a figural expression

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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
  • Viewers can ponder Dunham’s dramatic stylistic shift from abstract forms to cartoonish figurative images through the exhibition’s 50 career-spanning works.
    — Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
  • These combine interior and exterior figurative imagery from the tropical foliage and vibrant cityscapes around her, but can appear torn and fragmented.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • For Wolf, frolicking in mud is both literal and metaphorical.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Thus, FRBs are a metaphorical cosmic 'fossil record' blasting through space at light speed with the energy of a multitude of stars.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Moncler was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, and the mountains are not only the brand’s physical birthplace, but are also symbolic of its goal to aim higher, Ruffini has often said.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • To celebrate its centennial this year, the symbolic starting point of Route 66 was extended north and east to Navy Pier.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figural. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!