Tropical — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈträ-pi-kəl/ trop·i·cal

Meaning & Definition of Tropical

Tropical (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, occurring in, or suitable for use in the tropics
  2. of, being, or characteristic of a region or climate that is frost-free with temperatures high enough to support year-round plant growth given sufficient moisture
  3. figurative

Tropical (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being near the equator

    "wanted to escape winter and visit some tropical location where freezing to death would not be a possibility"

    similar: equatorial, low
    related: semitropical, subtropical
    opposite: polar
    near: temperate

  2. expressing one thing in terms normally used for another

    "an author given to high-flown tropical phrasings and convoluted symbology"

    similar: extended, figural, figurative, metaphoric, tropological
    related: Aesopian, allegorical, emblematic, symbolic, catachrestic, sylleptic, euphemistic, nonliteral, veritable
    opposite: nonfigurative, nonmetaphorical
    near: literal, nonsymbolic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Tropical

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tropical:

equatorial, low, extended, figural, figurative, metaphoric, tropological

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Tropical

Words with the opposite meaning of Tropical:

polar, nonfigurative, nonmetaphorical

Related Words for Tropical

semitropical, subtropical, Aesopian, allegorical, emblematic, symbolic, catachrestic, sylleptic, euphemistic, nonliteral, veritable

Near Antonyms of Tropical

temperate, literal, nonsymbolic

Word Forms of Tropical

Derived words: tropically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Tropical

(sense 1) Middle English tropikal "pertaining to the three circles of the celestial sphere (the two tropics and the equinoctial circle)," from tropik tropic:1 + -al -al:1; (sense 2) Latin tropicus "pertaining to figures of speech" (borrowed from Greek tropikós, from trópos "figurative expression, trope" + -ikos -ic:1) + -al:1

First known use: 1671

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Tropical

Words & Phrases Containing Tropical

tropical aquarium, tropical cyclone, tropical fish, tropical oil, tropical rainforest, tropical sprue, tropical storm

Frequently Asked Questions about Tropical

What does "Tropical" mean?

"Tropical" means of, relating to, occurring in, or suitable for use in the tropics. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, occurring in, or suitable for use in the tropics. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Tropical"?

Other words for "Tropical" include equatorial, low, extended, figural, figurative, metaphoric and tropological. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Tropical" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Tropical"?

There are 18 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Tropical". Common alternatives include equatorial, low, extended, figural, figurative, metaphoric and tropological.

What is the opposite of "Tropical"?

Antonyms of "Tropical" include polar, nonfigurative and nonmetaphorical. Near antonyms include temperate, literal and nonsymbolic.

How do you use "Tropical" in a sentence?

Examples of "Tropical" in a sentence: "wanted to escape winter and visit some tropical location where freezing to death would not be a possibility"; "an author given to high-flown tropical phrasings and convoluted symbology".

Is "Tropical" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tropical" is an adjective.

Is "Tropical" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Tropical" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Tropical"?

"Tropical" is pronounced /ˈträ-pi-kəl/ and divided into syllables as trop·i·cal.