metaphorically

adverb

Definition of metaphoricallynext
as in loosely

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 That guy needs to know how to pick his battles, metaphorically and literally. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 19 May 2026 Celebrated across continents with major retrospectives and solo shows and based in Paris since 1973, Italian photographer Paolo Roversi is finally headed back home — metaphorically, with the unveiling of a permanent gallery in his hometown of Ravenna. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026 MacKinnon’s seventh goal of the playoffs left Wild head coach John Hynes metaphorically shrugging his shoulders at the precision of a player who led the NHL with 53 goals in the regular season. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 Duarte doesn’t need to point a gun at the incumbent — metaphorically, accidentally or literally — to make a case for her candidacy. — Robin Epley, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphorically
  1. loosely
  2. carelessly
  3. inaccurately
  4. freely
Adverb
  • On his first trip to the island, Pissenem found a loosely regulated world of dance parties.
    — Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
  • Each has a unique profile that loosely coordinates with some of LAFCO's most popular home scents -- but fear not, you won't be left smelling like a candle.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of loosely
Adverb
  • Flying an unmanned aircraft system carelessly or recklessly, interfering with a first responder operation, is also a misdemeanor under state law and San Diego municipal code.
    — Sydney Brammer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • Officials said activities connected to people ‒ from fireworks to carelessly discarded cigarettes ‒ have sparked 75% of wildfires in Utah in 2026.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of carelessly
Adverb
  • Players, coaches, and analysts all agreed that the red card was harsh at best, and inaccurately given at worst.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
  • However, his premise inaccurately assesses blame.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
Definition of inaccurately
Adverb
  • Rather than expressing yourself freely, your primary concern becomes preventing conflict or hostility.
    — Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
  • The parliament in England created laws against Quakers, forbidding them to worship freely, charging them with punishments for refusing to take oaths or refusing to remove their hats.
    — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of freely

Browse Nearby Words

metaphoric
metaphorically
metaphors
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Metaphorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphorically. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on metaphorically

Nglish: Translation of metaphorically for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of raffish

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All