Figurative
Figurative adjective - Expressing one thing in terms normally used for another.
Usage example: the figurative use of “allergy” to mean “a feeling of dislike”
Symbolic is a synonym for figurative in representative topic. In some cases you can use "Symbolic" instead an adjective "Figurative", when it comes to topics like metaphorical. popular alternative
Nearby Words: figuration, figuratively
Symbolic
Symbolic adjective - Having the function or meaning of an object or figure that stands for something else.
Usage example: the butterfly in the poem is symbolic of the impermanence of youth
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Synonyms for Symbolic
Figurative is a synonym for symbolic in representative topic. You can use "Figurative" instead an adjective "Symbolic". popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- characteristic and figurative
- characteristic and symbolic
- typical and figurative
- typical and symbolic
- representative and figurative
- representative and symbolic
- indicative and figurative
- indicative and symbolic
- expressive and figurative
- expressive and symbolic
- illustrative and figurative
- illustrative and symbolic
- suggestive and figurative
- suggestive and symbolic
Both words in one sentence
- The "lake of fire and sulfur" is not literal, but instead figurative or symbolic.
Cite this Source
Symbolic and Figurative. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/figurative/symbolic
Figurative & Symbolic. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/figurative/symbolic>.
Symbolic or Figurative. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/figurative/symbolic.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "figurative" and "symbolic" have occurred on timeline