metaphorical

Also met·a·phor·ic

[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 Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphorical¹

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

Example Sentences

Public opinion polls have shown that the party’s metaphorical church is struggling and fragile; its pews are thinning.

From Salon

They have a badge on, whether it’s literal or metaphorical, but they’re guessing too.

From Los Angeles Times

The literal ones and the magical, metaphorical ones.

From Los Angeles Times

You’re going to keep learning things about my life in a more metaphorical way.

From Los Angeles Times

He has wanted to leave his metaphorical captaincy equivalent in his kitbag until he comes to field.

From BBC

Related Words

• allegorical 
• descriptive 
• metaphoric www.thesaurus.com
• symbolic