metaphors

plural of metaphor
as in analogies
an elaborate or fanciful way of expressing something "it's raining cats and dogs" is just a colorful metaphor and not a meteorological announcement

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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 metaphors And, not surprisingly, there are some lovely weaving metaphors throughout, not the least of which is how a mix of contrasting colors and imperfections yields the most compelling cloth. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026 Throughout the song, water and thirst become metaphors for overwhelming desire, with the singers acknowledging that their connection is powerful enough to extinguish — or ignite — the fire between them. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026 The movie’s metaphors are mixed; its sense of purpose is poetic and assured. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 The book was replete with metaphors about the healing power of nature and the way that plants adapt to change due to the natural cycles of life and death. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 Its visual metaphors are not subtle; its verbal unpacking of them, even less so. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 Orwell was exploring the roles that euphemism, tangled syntax, and dying metaphors can play in obscuring the true intentions of a totalitarian state. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026 Director Walter Thompson-Hernández’s film, full of metaphors and magical realism, unfolds like a cinematic poem. — David Faris, TheWeek, 1 Sep. 2026 One way to trace the building’s development is through the set of shifting metaphors that have been used to describe it. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphors
Noun
  • Most of the time, senators exercising this role must rely on gauzy assurances and strained analogies to the candidate’s performance in previous positions.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The odd catchphrases, strained analogies, random noises and awkward jokes are well below the standard set by the other lead NFL analysts.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • These devices, and more than a dozen others, are included in the latest update of STAT’s Breakthrough Device Tracker, which since 2022 has captured nearly 800 devices reported to have FDA breakthrough status.
    — Katie Palmer, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Chinese list of US products that will be subject to lower tariffs covers 1,619 items, including corn, wheat, frozen meat, seafood, wood products, cosmetics and medical devices, according to a list published by the White House.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • It is shockingly invested in a sense of security, from songs about taking a five-year relationship to the next level to tried-and-true musical and lyrical conceits.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
  • This might actually be the first Yoshi platformer to not fully embrace a unique arts-and-crafts aesthetic in quite some time, considering how much Yoshi's Crafted World and Yoshi's Woolly World leaned fully into their papercraft and yarn conceits, respectively.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Metaphors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphors. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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