metaphorical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But with oil returning to the $100 precipice, private credit markets beset by liquidity concerns, and bond investors back on inflation watch, it may not be long before the metaphorical dams start leaking.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

The next time a pundit cites that as a positive factor, though, ask them what happens with cash when it runs onto the metaphorical field?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

He later apologized on X, claiming he had "badly used the expression... in a metaphorical way to mean 'fooling around'".

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Sophie, especially in that night, the mask makes her brave and courageous; when she takes off the physical mask, that’s when the metaphorical mask actually comes into play.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

The metaphorical potency of Alexei’s illness was also undeniable—symptomatic of an empire gone sick, dependent on bandages and prayers, hemorrhaging at its core.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee