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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of metaphoric
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
His live set felt like a celebration of his 35-year Nashville legacy, chosen and served like a delightful, metaphorical smorgasbord of powerful emotions.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Though little-known to the general public, the two icons shared a long-running, friendly feud that played out across multiple arenas—both literal and metaphorical.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
They’re merchandised alongside offerings like LG’s transparent Smart TV, a race-car simulator which customers can take for a metaphorical spin and more.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
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
His live set felt like a celebration of his 35-year Nashville legacy, chosen and served like a delightful, metaphorical smorgasbord of powerful emotions.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Though little-known to the general public, the two icons shared a long-running, friendly feud that played out across multiple arenas—both literal and metaphorical.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
They’re merchandised alongside offerings like LG’s transparent Smart TV, a race-car simulator which customers can take for a metaphorical spin and more.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
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
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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
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As we are never returned to any figural baseline, our eyes are increasingly ungrounded.—
Jan Tumlir,
Artforum,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Metaphoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphoric. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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