Synonyms of metaphoric

metaphoric

adjective

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

• figurative
• figural
• symbolic
• tropological
• tropical
• extended
• allegorical
• emblematic
• euphemistic
• nonliteral
• veritable
• Aesopian
• catachrestic
• sylleptic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• literal
• nonfigurative
• nonmetaphorical
• nonsymbolic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of metaphoric

Raven ended a years-long reprieve from public life by using metaphorical interpretations of water and emergence to lay out the importance of intentional solitude. — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026

In the Green New Deal discussion, though, this hypothetical meat ban effectively functioned as metaphorical shortcut for progressive political overreach. — David Rooney, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Putting one’s children onscreen for public attention comes off as no mere metaphorical muddying of waters or crossing of lines but as a plain and simple abuse of power. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 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

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