Literal
Literal adjective - Limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text.
Usage example: a literal translation
Metaphorical is an antonym for literal.
Metaphorical
Metaphorical adjective - Expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another.
Show all Definitions
Synonyms for Metaphorical
Literal is an antonym for metaphorical.
Nearby Word: metaphor
Both words in one sentence
-
In any given Mons game, everyone catches and collects various creatures in hoping that their Fish (literal or metaphorical) is the Biggest.
Source: Summon Bigger Fish - Driving Song "Late Goodbye" has a couple chased endlessly by "the Devil" though its unclear whether its literal or metaphorical.
Source: Stern Chase - A glimmering facade on a house (whether metaphorical or literal) conceals a rotting foundation.
Source: All That Glitters
Cite this Source
Metaphorical and Literal. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/literal/metaphorical
Literal & Metaphorical. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/literal/metaphorical>.
Metaphorical or Literal. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/literal/metaphorical.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "literal" and "metaphorical" have occurred on timeline