allegorical

adjective

al·​le·​gor·​i·​cal ˌa-lə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl 

-ˈgär-

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of allegory

allegorical paintings

allegorical meanings of images

allegorical symbols of our culture

2

: having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text

allegorically

ˌa-lə-ˈgȯr-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈgär-

adverb

allegoricalness

ˌa-lə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl-nəs 

-ˈgär-

noun

Examples of allegorical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When 1984 was published in 1949, the novel was seen as an allegorical take on the Soviet Union. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025

Then again, the allegorical greenery that represents the current level of confidence in the Dodgers’ relief pitchers has looked more like a malnourished shrub in recent weeks. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025

The heavily allegorical fantasy is notable for its heavy use of philosophical and Biblical symbolism, and touches on themes common in Oshii’s other works, particularly the relationship between dreams and reality. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025

If this is the allegorical virgin birth, Pandora edition, then Kiri’s other parent would be Pandora’s version of God: Eywa, whom the Na’vi generally engage with in the form of a tree, or flora (seed bearer — get it?). —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

allegoric "allegorical" (borrowed from Late Latin allēgoricus, borrowed from Greek allēgorikós, from allēgoría allegory + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for allegorical

• ahistorical
• metaphorical
• oratorical
• unhistorical
• historical
• rhetorical
• sociohistorical