metaphorical
adjective
involving, invoking, or intended to be taken as a metaphor, something used symbolically to represent something else, suggesting a comparison or resemblance.
metaphoric
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a variation of
metaphorical.
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a word derived from
metaphor.
metaphornouna figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Klee was a metaphoric artist who consistently combined universal themes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
Ms. Clark imbues Hillcrest with eerie metaphoric resonance, making it both forbidding and tenderly familiar.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
Heavily metaphoric and less intimately provocative than the French writer-director’s previous movies, “Alpha” is a domestic drama that may not necessarily be set at the end of the world.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2026
O’Neill resolves the triangular conflict with a combination of religious fervor, metaphoric brooding and scabrous humor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025
This begat a tradition of colorful but useless metaphoric descriptions that preoccupied physicians for centuries.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
