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metaphorically

adverb

Definition of metaphoricallynext
as in loosely

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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 metaphorically Fisher and Day can’t even secure jobs, stuck literally and metaphorically frittering away their youth in the back seat. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Instead of literally backing away, in this example, the person metaphorically backs away by completing the session and exiting as expected without further conflict. — Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026 The watch business Stateside is heating up this month, metaphorically speaking, thanks to a number of events geared to collectors. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026 Lorde was feeling herself, physically and metaphorically, and the voyeuristic vibes of her set freed both performer and audience alike on Day One of Lollapalooza 2026. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphorically
  1. loosely
  2. carelessly
  3. inaccurately
  4. freely
Adverb
  • Wrap leftovers loosely in parchment paper or a kitchen towel, place in a paper bag (to keep the crust crisp) or a resealable plastic bag (to keep the bread soft), and store at room temperature for up to two days.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The script, by Luke Davies, loosely braids three different timelines.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of loosely
Adverb
  • Jasson Domínguez, still a liability on defense, carelessly let a leadoff single bounce past him and roll to the wall in right for a two-base error, but Cole managed to strand the runner at third and logged a scoreless frame.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Omar Alderete, O’Nien’s second-half replacement, carelessly did the same thing for the late winner.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of carelessly
Adverb
  • The lobster fishing industry, based mostly in Maine, has pushed back, saying the claim inaccurately portrays it as a threat to whales and constitutes defamation that has caused economic harm.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This discrepancy means standard evaluations may inaccurately portray an AI's safety and efficacy.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of inaccurately
Adverb
  • The South Shore & South Bend also depends on being able to switch freight freely among all railroads operating on the Chicago network, Gilbertson said, and this could be adversely affected if the industry gets more concentrated.
    — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In court filings, however, the government said Morales García told federal agents he was born in Mexico and freely chose to return there.
    — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of freely

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Cite this Entry

“Metaphorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphorically. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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