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
Despite its minimal design, this quality dresser comes with loads of figurative frills: soft-close drawers, solid wood legs and handles, and prompt and trouble-free delivery among them.
—
Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2025
The Padres seem headed to another competitive season in a 15-team league that serves up six playoff berths, with two or three teams that raise a figurative white flag on Opening Day and a few others that lack the pitching to really go for it.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
However, considering that the Trump administration is taking a figurative chainsaw through the employment ranks of the US government, the weekly claims data has risen in importance.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
That was the battle cry of an industry post-COVID, the strikes and a collective depression (both literal and figurative).
—Julie Plec, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for figurative
Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2025
The Padres seem headed to another competitive season in a 15-team league that serves up six playoff berths, with two or three teams that raise a figurative white flag on Opening Day and a few others that lack the pitching to really go for it.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
However, considering that the Trump administration is taking a figurative chainsaw through the employment ranks of the US government, the weekly claims data has risen in importance.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
That was the battle cry of an industry post-COVID, the strikes and a collective depression (both literal and figurative).
—Julie Plec, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 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 16 Apr. 2025.
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