metaphorically

adverb

Definition of metaphoricallynext
as in loosely

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of metaphorically Teixeira loves to travel, literally and metaphorically. — John Hopewell, Variety, 11 June 2026 By patriarchal design, there is nothing less desirable and less attractive than a woman who refuses to be the vessel of men’s pleasure, literally and metaphorically—lesbianism is the ultimate rejection of the role prescribed to us as women. — Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 MacKinnon’s seventh goal of the playoffs left Wild head coach John Hynes metaphorically shrugging his shoulders at the precision of a player who led the NHL with 53 goals in the regular season. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 Celebrated across continents with major retrospectives and solo shows and based in Paris since 1973, Italian photographer Paolo Roversi is finally headed back home — metaphorically, with the unveiling of a permanent gallery in his hometown of Ravenna. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphorically
  1. loosely
  2. carelessly
  3. inaccurately
  4. freely
Adverb
  • My trip loosely followed one of Relais & Châteaux’s Routes du Bonheur—itineraries first conceived in the 1950s to link memorable hotels and restaurants along scenic roads.
    — Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • Work remains heavily human-driven, and systems are only loosely integrated.
    — Arungalai Anbarasu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of loosely
Adverb
  • Officials said activities connected to people ‒ from fireworks to carelessly discarded cigarettes ‒ have sparked 75% of wildfires in Utah in 2026.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Under a new Douglas County ordinance, illegally operating an OHV, driving one carelessly or recklessly, and not wearing a helmet if under 18 could land you with up to a $1,000 fine.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Definition of carelessly
Adverb
  • However, his premise inaccurately assesses blame.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • An earlier version of this story inaccurately reported Brenda Bergeron as the deputy commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026
Definition of inaccurately
Adverb
  • Rather than expressing yourself freely, your primary concern becomes preventing conflict or hostility.
    — Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
  • The parliament in England created laws against Quakers, forbidding them to worship freely, charging them with punishments for refusing to take oaths or refusing to remove their hats.
    — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of freely

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Cite this Entry

“Metaphorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphorically. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of metaphorically for Spanish Speakers

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