metaphorical

American

[met-uh-fawr-i-kuhl, -for-] / ˌmɛt əˈfɔr ɪ kəl, -ˈfɒr- /

Also metaphoric

adjective

involving, invoking, or intended to be taken as a metaphor, something used symbolically to represent something else, suggesting a comparison or resemblance.

Our foreign policy blunder has given the insurgents a metaphorical green light to engage in violent tactics in pursuit of their imperial ambitions.

Other Word Forms

hypermetaphoric adjective
hypermetaphorical adjective
metaphorically adverb
metaphoricalness noun
nonmetaphoric adjective
nonmetaphorical adjective
semimetaphoric adjective
semimetaphorical adjective
submetaphoric adjective
submetaphorical adjective

Etymology

Origin of metaphorical

First recorded in 1560–70; metaphor ( def. ) + -ical ( def. )

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.

Gravy wasn’t always metaphorical; it was just dinner.

From Salon

Last Tuesday, something horrible happened to Jordan Neely on that literal and metaphorical train.

From Salon

The question of who is allowed unfettered access to the metaphorical color palette of songwriting is currently on trial in federal court in Manhattan.

From Washington Post

“La Lucha” in its 60 minutes takes on a metaphorical bent.

From Los Angeles Times

You can't negotiate with people like this when you have a metaphorical weapon aimed at your head.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023