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 And how does a community change, evolve, and embrace the new when the old landmarks of life are – literally or metaphorically – blown away? — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 21 July 2026 For the rest of their time in Las Vegas, his presence has only metaphorically loomed over the team. — Jay King, New York Times, 12 July 2026 At the core of this collection, though, is the heartfelt search for a place to call home, both literally and metaphorically. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 21 June 2026 But the dining room has been upholstered, metaphorically and, at times, literally, into submission. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphorically
  1. loosely
  2. carelessly
  3. inaccurately
  4. freely
Adverb
  • The film loosely adapts the plot of The Taming of The Shrew and follows the rebellious Kat Stratford (Stiles) as she is pursued by Patrick Verona (Ledger), who is paid to take her out on a date.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Now known formally as the Contemporary Baseball Era and Classic Baseball Era committees but still loosely as the Veterans Committee, this group meant to correct oversights continues to let in marginal guys.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of loosely
Adverb
  • Since it was designated the first national recreation area in 1964, hordes of visitors have cut Lake Mead’s glassy surface with jet skis and boats, carelessly dropping belongings that may now wash up on shore.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Kylese Perryman claims his rights were violated, saying investigators carelessly and incorrectly identified him as the man responsible for a violent felony.
    — Ubah Ali, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of carelessly
Adverb
  • The lobster fishing industry, based mostly in Maine, has pushed back, saying the claim inaccurately portrays it as a threat to whales and constitutes defamation that has caused economic harm.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This discrepancy means standard evaluations may inaccurately portray an AI's safety and efficacy.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of inaccurately
Adverb
  • Uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow oil tankers to freely exit the Persian Gulf again has roiled markets, causing oil prices to rise and pushing up Treasury yields due to worries over inflation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Synaptic purge To find out how many synapses are lost during QIH, Tanaka’s team implanted tetrodes, bundles of fine electrodes, into the hippocampus of freely moving mice.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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