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
  • Guests—defined loosely as anyone from a random hookup to Julia Fox to a surprisingly chill raccoon—drop by the house with regularity, creating a zippy blend of the mundane and the serendipitous.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Naked mole rat colonies have a hierarchy that loosely aligns with body size, where only the largest females have a shot at becoming queen—and only the queen reproduces.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of loosely
Adverb
  • Omar Alderete, O’Nien’s second-half replacement, carelessly did the same thing for the late winner.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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
  • The air was already at blood heat outside, and the men were sweating freely.
    — Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • How can anyone be allowed to say this, working for freely given Public Airwaves?
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of freely

Browse Nearby Words

metaphoric
metaphorically
metaphors
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Cite this Entry

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

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