metaphoric

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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of metaphoric The process of securing the proper locations for a project is a metaphorical game of 3D chess in which the artistic vision of its creative team wages a strategic battle with logistical necessities and economic realities. Carole Horst, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025 In addition to his trio of Primetime Emmys, Obama's already substantial metaphorical trophy shelf includes two Children's and Family Emmy gongs, two Grammy awards, and a Nobel Peace Prize. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 This film is here to praise him and, regrettably, bury him, just not in a metaphorical sense. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025 Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense. Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025 In the investment world, we’re taught not to catch the metaphorical falling knife, or to invest when a business or an asset is losing its value. Vilius Kavaliauskas, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 But what if a woman grows up not in a metaphorical cult but in a real one? Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025 Being in the inner circle, however, comes with its own metaphorical body count. Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025 The celebration is not just metaphorical. Okla Jones, Essence, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphoric
Adjective
  • Taking inspiration from 16th-century outdoor sculpture courtyards, this (indoor) exhibition explores the range of figurative human sculptures in the Walker’s collection.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
  • An English translation of the French story that was first published in 2023, the 208-page tome tells the story of the many obstacles and near-figurative deaths Lucas had to overcome in order to make what would become one of the most consequential movies in pop culture history.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.
    Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Metaphoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphoric. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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