Metaphor makes a comparison by equating one thing with another (as in "life is a journey"), or by creating an identification or fusion between two things (as in "burning desire"), while simile states that …

METAPHORICAL definition: involving, invoking, or intended to be taken as a metaphor, something used symbolically to represent something else, suggesting a comparison or resemblance. See …

METAPHORICAL definition: 1. Metaphorical language contains metaphors: 2. not having real existence but representing some…. Learn more.

metaphorical adjective figurative, symbolic, emblematic, allegorical, emblematical, tropical (Rhetoric) The ship may be heading for the metaphorical rocks unless a buyer can be found.

Metaphor definition: A metaphor is a type of figurative language that expresses a comparison between two entities without using any comparison words. What is a Metaphor? A metaphor is figurative …

Definition of metaphorical adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

You use the word metaphorical to indicate that you are not using words with their ordinary meaning, but are describing something by means of an image or symbol.

Dec 14, 2025 · metaphorical (comparative more metaphorical, superlative most metaphorical) Pertaining to or characterized by a metaphor; figurative; symbolic.

Something is metaphorical when you use it to stand for, or symbolize, another thing. For example, a dark sky in a poem might be a metaphorical representation of sadness.

metaphorical, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary