figurative

adjective

fig·​u·​ra·​tive ˈfi-g(y)ə-rə-tiv How to pronounce figurative (audio)
Synonyms of figurativenext
1
a
: representing by a figure or resemblance : emblematic
the figurative dove of peace
b
: of or relating to representation of form or figure in art
figurative sculpture
2
a
: expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous : metaphorical
figurative language
in a figurative sense, civilization marches up and down—Lewis Mumford
b
: characterized by figures of speech
a figurative description
figurativeness noun

Did you know?

Words and phrases can have both literal and figurative meanings, and we all use words with both kinds of meanings every day of our lives. We can literally close the door to a room, or we can figuratively close the door to further negotiations—that is, refuse to take part in them. Figurative language includes figures of speech, such as similes ("she's been like a sister to me") and metaphors ("a storm of protest"). And sometimes it's hard to tell whether a phrase is literal or figurative: If I say I "picked up" a little Spanish in Mexico, is that literal or figurative? You've probably noticed that lots of the definitions in this book show both a literal meaning (often something physical) and a figurative meaning (often nonphysical).

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of figurative in a Sentence

The phrase “know your ropes” means literally “to know a lot about ropes,” while its figurative meaning is “to know a lot about how to do something.” the figurative use of “allergy” to mean “a feeling of dislike”
Recent Examples on the Web Narrowing the Nazca field The team chose to focus on the smaller and more figurative of the two types of symbols discovered in the desert. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024 Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news For humans, living in a bubble is a figurative coping mechanism. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024 The pair stand before the older man as literal and figurative ghosts – close in proximity but separated by an insurmountable metaphysical divide. —Ben Croll, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024 Our group, by contrast, touches down via private jet and spends Saturday night at a party, the sun setting behind an ominous, wide-eyed moai, one of the monumental figurative sculptures for which Rapa Nui is famous. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for figurative 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'figurative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English figuratif "representing symbolically," from Medieval Latin figūrātīvus, from Latin figūrātus, past participle of figūrāre "to shape, make a likeness of, represent" + -īvus -ive — more at figure entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of figurative was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing figurative

Dictionary Entries Near figurative

figuration

figurative

figurative language

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Figurative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figurative. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

figurative

adjective
fig·​u·​ra·​tive ˈfig-(y)ə-rət-iv How to pronounce figurative (audio)
: expressing one thing in terms normally used for another : metaphorical
the figurative use of "foot" in "the foot of the mountain"
figuratively adverb
figurativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on figurative

Nglish: Translation of figurative for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of figurative for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Weird Words for Autumn Time

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
petit-fours
Name That Dessert! Hope you’ve saved room for some sweet vocabulary.