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
If that sounds metaphorical, it’s meant to be.
—
Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
The staff acts as almost a mini-military– serving and protecting this metaphorical anti-war, positive energy force field.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Rigid constructs, whether physical or metaphoric, are no place for this free-spirited sign.
—Maressa Brown, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
That allowed Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and others to ease off of the metaphorical gas pedal globally and instead focus much more on literal oil and natural gas drilling domestically.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
When wrap is finally called, Balfe releases the metaphorical pressure valve, letting the waterworks flow.
—Amy Wilkinson, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026
But Bad Bunny also pulled a few other tricks out of his metaphorical hat for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Putting, say, ceramist Magdalene Odundo on the same metaphorical pedestal as artist Huma Bhabha is another.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
That’s one of the le Carré quotations, which is literal and metaphorical.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
The staff acts as almost a mini-military– serving and protecting this metaphorical anti-war, positive energy force field.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Rigid constructs, whether physical or metaphoric, are no place for this free-spirited sign.
—Maressa Brown, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
That allowed Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and others to ease off of the metaphorical gas pedal globally and instead focus much more on literal oil and natural gas drilling domestically.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
When wrap is finally called, Balfe releases the metaphorical pressure valve, letting the waterworks flow.
—Amy Wilkinson, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026
But Bad Bunny also pulled a few other tricks out of his metaphorical hat for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Putting, say, ceramist Magdalene Odundo on the same metaphorical pedestal as artist Huma Bhabha is another.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
That’s one of the le Carré quotations, which is literal and metaphorical.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphoric
Adjective
-
The smaller, figurative collages are somewhat easier to grasp at first glance.—
Benjamin Lima
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Valentine’s Day, a holiday that fills hearts with figurative longing and passion — and literal foodstuffs, like chocolate.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
However, giving in to January’s grayness — both literal and figural — is not the only option.—
Morayo Ogunbayo,
AJC.com,
1 Jan. 2026
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The figural birds are crafted in platinum and 18-karat gold with gemstones — appearing to perch upon the wearer.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, a largely symbolic move as the country hasn’t executed anyone in decades.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The symbolic unity pose was to declare the formal launch of the New Delhi Frontier AI Commitments, a set of voluntary principles adopted by leading AI companies at the summit to advance inclusive, responsible development of frontier AI models.—
Aditya Soni,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Metaphoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphoric. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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