metaphor

noun

ˈme-tə-ˌfȯr How to pronounce metaphor (audio)
Definition of metaphornext
as in analogy
an elaborate or fanciful way of expressing something "it's raining cats and dogs" is just a colorful metaphor and not a meteorological announcement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 metaphor Outgoing board member Bill Coulson, who was first appointed to the board in 2007, used a vehicular metaphor to express his thoughts on the transition. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Just like when personal computers came out, but there’s a fantastic book by um, George Lakoff and Rafael Núñez about math and where ideas in math come from, via metaphors. — Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 In our home renovation metaphor, these are the specialty subcontractors. — Melanie Subin, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 No need to get bogged down in questions about provenance, artfulness, long-form storytelling, or even metaphors. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphor
analogy
Noun
  • Asante draws a manufacturing analogy—with some exaggeration—arguing that previous nuclear power plants were built bespoke, akin to constructing an entire factory to produce a single car.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • To run with Carney’s analogy, middle powers prepare an excellent menu of innovations and talent, and then place it on the table for superpowers to devour.
    — Wal van Lierop, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of analogy

Browse Nearby Words

metamorphosis
metaphor
metaphoric
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Cite this Entry

“Metaphor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/metaphor. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on metaphor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about metaphor

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