variants
or metaphorical
as in figurative
expressing one thing in terms normally used for another
an author fond of such metaphorical phrases as "the desert was a fiery furnace"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of metaphoric
The scene is a Pyrrhic victory, however, because its self-transcending metaphorical power only emphasizes the blandly literal hour and a half that came before.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
In other words, the metaphorical coin must be weighted—in this case, by hominins doing things on purpose, like laying their dead to rest in the narrow, twisting darkness of Rising Star.
—
ArsTechnica,
25 June 2026
During their opening match against Croatia last week, England fans seemed to cross a metaphorical Rubicon by booing the hydration breaks and now the general discontent is spreading throughout the host cities as fans make their displeasure known.
—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Frankenstein’s village When work is the only sturdy pillar in a society where government benefits for low-income people, family ties and community institutions have eroded, tablets replace the metaphorical village – the web of social support that helps families thrive.
—
Aarushi Bhandari,
The Conversation,
19 June 2026
Presented with an opportunity to finally confess his feelings to Nikki, our man screws the metaphorical pooch.
—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 June 2026
Being on house arrest in the most recent installment, the murderous mom of two takes a break from putting on this metaphorical mask, allowing her vulnerability to show.
—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Every time an underperforming manager missed a deadline or botched a client presentation, Marcus would swoop in, grab the metaphorical hose and put out the fire himself.
—
Janine Schindler,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Nonetheless, Leeds will arrive at the London Stadium this weekend already on the metaphorical beach.
—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
In other words, the metaphorical coin must be weighted—in this case, by hominins doing things on purpose, like laying their dead to rest in the narrow, twisting darkness of Rising Star.
—
ArsTechnica,
25 June 2026
During their opening match against Croatia last week, England fans seemed to cross a metaphorical Rubicon by booing the hydration breaks and now the general discontent is spreading throughout the host cities as fans make their displeasure known.
—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Frankenstein’s village When work is the only sturdy pillar in a society where government benefits for low-income people, family ties and community institutions have eroded, tablets replace the metaphorical village – the web of social support that helps families thrive.
—
Aarushi Bhandari,
The Conversation,
19 June 2026
Presented with an opportunity to finally confess his feelings to Nikki, our man screws the metaphorical pooch.
—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 June 2026
Being on house arrest in the most recent installment, the murderous mom of two takes a break from putting on this metaphorical mask, allowing her vulnerability to show.
—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Every time an underperforming manager missed a deadline or botched a client presentation, Marcus would swoop in, grab the metaphorical hose and put out the fire himself.
—
Janine Schindler,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Nonetheless, Leeds will arrive at the London Stadium this weekend already on the metaphorical beach.
—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphoric
Adjective
-
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 8 laptop shows up ready to work, with a snappy Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, a generous 32GB of RAM, and a spacious 2TB SSD in its (figurative) briefcase.
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The figurative scales of justice are totally out of whack now.
Adjective
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The holders come in a set of two, adorned with figural bunnies.
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The figural birds are crafted in platinum and 18-karat gold with gemstones — appearing to perch upon the wearer.
Adjective
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Thune did not speak during the meeting but scheduled a symbolic follow-up vote that evening in which two Republicans flipped their original votes.
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This ‘Statehood Quarters’ collection is so inclusive and symbolic of this great nation.
Cite this Entry
“Metaphoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphoric. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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