as in loosely
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Recent Examples of metaphorically
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
By patriarchal design, there is nothing less desirable and less attractive than a woman who refuses to be the vessel of men’s pleasure, literally and metaphorically—lesbianism is the ultimate rejection of the role prescribed to us as women.
—
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Here, his mournful ex-convict is finally tasting freedom in a country that wants to keep him metaphorically shackled.
—
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
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
By patriarchal design, there is nothing less desirable and less attractive than a woman who refuses to be the vessel of men’s pleasure, literally and metaphorically—lesbianism is the ultimate rejection of the role prescribed to us as women.
—
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Here, his mournful ex-convict is finally tasting freedom in a country that wants to keep him metaphorically shackled.
—
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphorically
Adverb
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Then after another Algerian wave of pressure, Gouiri tapped in a loose ball after a corner from Anis Hadj Moussa, Mahrez’s replacement after the hydration break in the 76th minute, bounded loosely through the box.
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Transfer the chicken to a platter and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Adverb
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Under a new Douglas County ordinance, illegally operating an OHV, driving one carelessly or recklessly, and not wearing a helmet if under 18 could land you with up to a $1,000 fine.
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If used carelessly, the result can end up containing less information than live action while also feeling less fluid and appealing than conventional animation.
Adverb
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Valdez, whose seat goes from Brooklyn to Queens, accused her opponent inaccurately of getting pro-Israel donations.
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While the researchers estimated people's dietary intake as accurately as possible, there was a chance that some consumption was inaccurately reported.
Adverb
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What about a legal right for AIs to freely access the public internet (the right to information); or a legal right for AIs to interact with other AIs (the right to associate); or a legal right to some minimum amount of computing power (the right to necessary resources)?
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As for their hairstyles, while Lady Eliza chose to let her hair flow freely over her shoulders, her sister Amelia opted for an extremely elegant low ponytail.
Cite this Entry
“Metaphorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphorically. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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