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
Projects engage critical questions of ecology, migration, identity, religion, and architecture, and excavate both metaphorical and literal prisons.
—
Photovogue, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
In the canonical metaphorical example, a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, and the cascading sequence of atmospheric perturbations leads to a tornado in Texas.
—Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
That grounding effect is more than metaphorical.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Diplomacy appeared to be another—and not just in the metaphorical sense.
—Karl Vick, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
And that's before the metaphoric storm of secrets and lies blazes through the station.
—Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
Norvell, as the co-offensive coordinator on that Pitt staff, saw the literal and metaphorical drive with Lanning.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
For these authors perhaps there was the fear of losing control of one’s work, of the author’s metaphorical entombment (after all, Griswold was the final gravedigger for Poe, and on the former’s terms).
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
On the metaphorical and literal strength of English-style pub draughts like the malty, slightly hoppy extra-special bitter, Broad Ripple Brewpub quickly formed a following.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025
Photovogue, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
In the canonical metaphorical example, a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, and the cascading sequence of atmospheric perturbations leads to a tornado in Texas.
—Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
That grounding effect is more than metaphorical.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Diplomacy appeared to be another—and not just in the metaphorical sense.
—Karl Vick, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
And that's before the metaphoric storm of secrets and lies blazes through the station.
—Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
Norvell, as the co-offensive coordinator on that Pitt staff, saw the literal and metaphorical drive with Lanning.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
For these authors perhaps there was the fear of losing control of one’s work, of the author’s metaphorical entombment (after all, Griswold was the final gravedigger for Poe, and on the former’s terms).
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
On the metaphorical and literal strength of English-style pub draughts like the malty, slightly hoppy extra-special bitter, Broad Ripple Brewpub quickly formed a following.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphoric
Adjective
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Among the other standouts are Klimt’s Blooming Meadow (1908)—a sea of green grass and trees flecked with blue, yellow, and pink dabs of wildflowers—and six figurative bronzes by Matisse.—
Julie Belcove,
Robb Report,
26 Oct. 2025
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An homage to millions of anonymous victims, the work implicitly rebukes the nearby figurative sculptures of slaveholders.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
24 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2025.
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