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"
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Recent Examples of metaphoric
But the Passover Seder also commences the 50-day historical journey to Mount Sinai, the metaphorical site where the Jewish people received the Torah, the laws and traditions that gave shape to their journey, their culture and societal structure.
—
Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
In the first half, the house is haunted in a metaphorical sense.
—William Earl, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026
But baseball’s outsized importance was still largely diminished as the NFL began sucking all the air out of the metaphorical room.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Appreciative of these qualities, humans have domesticated Cucumis sativus and traded it throughout the world, with the fruit’s coolness becoming another, if metaphorical, tendril.
—Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
A little speck on the metaphorical Southlake Carroll wall that’s been historically dominated by its eight-time state champion football program.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Miami’s strong Bahamian and Caribbean influence was the metaphorical cherry on top.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Maybe the sun frying your brain isn't just a metaphorical expression.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
And monsters, even metaphorical ones, tend to destabilize humans with something to hide.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
In the first half, the house is haunted in a metaphorical sense.
—William Earl, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026
But baseball’s outsized importance was still largely diminished as the NFL began sucking all the air out of the metaphorical room.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Appreciative of these qualities, humans have domesticated Cucumis sativus and traded it throughout the world, with the fruit’s coolness becoming another, if metaphorical, tendril.
—Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
A little speck on the metaphorical Southlake Carroll wall that’s been historically dominated by its eight-time state champion football program.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Miami’s strong Bahamian and Caribbean influence was the metaphorical cherry on top.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Maybe the sun frying your brain isn't just a metaphorical expression.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
And monsters, even metaphorical ones, tend to destabilize humans with something to hide.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphoric
Adjective
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And just a figurative trolley ride away, at the Heinz History Center, visitors can step inside the neighborhood itself, exploring original sets and props from the beloved series.—
Christopher DeRose,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Among regime critics, the new leader’s lack of presence – both literal and figurative – has prompted ridicule.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The number distilled the North Beach revue (which closed New Year’s Eve 2019) famous for its oversized figural hats, musical parodies and fairy-tale characters into 11.5 minutes.—
Culture Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
13 Mar. 2026
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The holders come in a set of two, adorned with figural bunnies.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Since 2002, the show has been closely associated with Hollywood Boulevard, where the red carpet runs alongside the Walk of Fame and, for one night a year, the area becomes the symbolic center of the film industry.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2026
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For now, there is no opening date – only a sign, and commitment, and in a recovery defined by uncertainty in a community where these moments are deeply symbolic.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Metaphoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphoric. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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