dead metaphors

noun

plural of dead metaphor
as in code words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead metaphors
  1. euphemisms
  2. similes
  3. metaphors
  4. analogies
Noun
  • Willmett and Harris are clearly uninterested in euphemisms, so there’s an exaggerated naivety to their lyrics.
    — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026
  • Discussing why people use euphemisms online prepares children to pause and ask questions when unfamiliar terms appear.
    — Sharlette A. Kellum, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Definition of euphemisms
Noun
  • Salazar-Thompson’s witty script — packed with hilarious metaphors and similes (like comparing a woman’s firm grip on her purse to that of a two-toed sloth on a branch) — make for a consistently amusing trip back in time.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of similes
Noun
  • Gyllenhaal’s movie took heat for wanting to be too many things at once, but this is one of The Bell Jar’s central metaphors.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • The face’s centrality to social life is inscribed in our language, in the metaphors that betray our world view.
    — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of metaphors
Noun
  • This involves sharing only essential details, simplifying complex ideas with analogies, and prioritizing influencing action over mere information delivery.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But that sort of honesty is far superior to relying on analogies that mask rather than reveal the court’s genuine commitments.
    — Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
Definition of analogies
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.

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dead metaphor
dead metaphors
deadness
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Cite this Entry

“Dead metaphors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead%20metaphors. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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