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 Literally or metaphorically, your ideal romance or financial situation is top of mind right now. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026 And Black’s passion for art would come to figure, metaphorically, in at least one of their interactions. — William D. Cohan, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026 The Graces helped love bloom in the world, metaphorically and literally. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 Deadline has been in town to assess the mood and take the temperature of an industry that is both metaphorically and physically changing. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for metaphorically
  1. loosely
  2. carelessly
  3. inaccurately
  4. freely
Adverb
  • Writer and director Laura Nicholson, whose parents are big-screen icon Jack Nicholson and actress Rebecca Broussard, based the story loosely on her childhood experiences at the Playboy Mansion, according to Deadline.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In any case, Animals lifts most of its foundational plot elements directly from that source, which was loosely adapted from an Ed McBain novel.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of loosely
Adverb
  • Jasson Domínguez, still a liability on defense, carelessly let a leadoff single bounce past him and roll to the wall in right for a two-base error, but Cole managed to strand the runner at third and logged a scoreless frame.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of carelessly
Adverb
  • Keep in mind, though, that software often inaccurately depicts the actuation points of keyboards, albeit by amounts that are hard to notice, according to RTINGs’ testing).
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Blanche said lawmakers who oppose election monitors are reacting inaccurately.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of inaccurately
Adverb
  • For one, the system was demonstrated in simulations, not a full real-world demonstration in which a freely operating robot continuously read someone's EEG and corrected its behavior around the house.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
  • That behavior resembles a liquid crystal, where molecules can move freely but still maintain directional alignment.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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