metaphorical

[ met-uh-fawr-i-kuhl, -for- ]

adjective

1. 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 Words From

• met·a·phor·i·cal·ly adverb
• met·a·phor·i·cal·ness noun
• hy·per·met·a·phor·ic hy·per·met·a·phor·i·cal adjective
• non·met·a·phor·ic non·met·a·phor·i·cal adjective
• sem·i·met·a·phor·ic sem·i·met·a·phor·i·cal adjective
• sub·met·a·phor·ic sub·met·a·phor·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphorical¹

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

Example Sentences

Along those lines, we also learn that the series itself will burst out of FX's metaphorical chest to say hello to the world in Summer 2025.

From Salon

Usually, she adds, such roles also result in a metaphorical bloodbath involving dozens of actors.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a police procedural, a metaphorical family comedy, a workplace comedy, a soap opera, a melodrama, a low-budget action adventure.

From Los Angeles Times

Certainly, there is a metaphorical nature to the imagery, requiring a suspension of disbelief even if everything doesn’t quite tie together in the end.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the truth couldn't stand up to former president Donald Trump yelling the story into a metaphorical megaphone at the presidential debates earlier this week.

From Salon

Related Words

• allegorical
• descriptive
• metaphoric
• symbolic