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
In a metaphorical sense, spring symbolizes renewal, growth and fresh beginnings.
—
Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The potential metaphoric referents here quickly become clear, and are likely to vary by the viewer.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
But at the same time, in the metaphorical sense, strong backbone.
—Mo Rocca, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
For a while, the game settled into a metaphorical heavyweight fight rather than a literal one.
—Mike Prada, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Since Nuuly is owned by the parent company of brands like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, and FP Movement, its metaphorical closet space is disproportionately dominated by these names.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
In this no-frills case, the only aspect left from of Christopher Fitzer’s magnificently metaphoric scenic design is a big projection screen with a revolving series of Lehman Brothers images (projections designed by Eric Scanlon).
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
These hormones develop during dormancy and are a metaphorical gas pedal for plant growth.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
In the visuals, Robyn portrays a literal and more metaphoric bareness—there’s nudity, yes, but also a rawness to her look.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The potential metaphoric referents here quickly become clear, and are likely to vary by the viewer.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
But at the same time, in the metaphorical sense, strong backbone.
—Mo Rocca, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
For a while, the game settled into a metaphorical heavyweight fight rather than a literal one.
—Mike Prada, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Since Nuuly is owned by the parent company of brands like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, and FP Movement, its metaphorical closet space is disproportionately dominated by these names.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
In this no-frills case, the only aspect left from of Christopher Fitzer’s magnificently metaphoric scenic design is a big projection screen with a revolving series of Lehman Brothers images (projections designed by Eric Scanlon).
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
These hormones develop during dormancy and are a metaphorical gas pedal for plant growth.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
In the visuals, Robyn portrays a literal and more metaphoric bareness—there’s nudity, yes, but also a rawness to her look.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphoric
Adjective
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Harrison Bader put a figurative dent into a baseball.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2026
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Literal and figurative pain points included ensuring each piece properly conducting electricity, rigging every square with mechanical keyboard switches to facilitate the connections, and countless unintentional jolts.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Canadians’ absence in Las Vegas is symbolic of the United States’ fractured relationship with its neighbor and the ripple effects of unwinding ties between the two countries.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
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The exhibit shows how women have been represented in ceramics, sculpture and symbolic imagery across ancient Mesoamerican cultures and connects the traditions to the lives of powerful women throughout Latin American history.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Metaphoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphoric. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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