metaphor

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.

L.A. literature: In a durably famous metaphor for Southern California, “The Crying of Lot 49’s” heroine, Oedipa, compares the sight of a distant sprawling suburb to a transistor radio’s printed circuit board.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Goodwin’s advice included a basketball metaphor: “defense wins championships.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Ward’s opera has a related theme: It is based on the 1953 Arthur Miller play that used the 17th-century Salem witch trials as a metaphor for the McCarthy era.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

It’s consistently executed, balancing history and layered metaphor with sweeping cinematography and a score that contributes as much to its electrifying storytelling as Ryan Coogler’s writing and directing.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

“Well, that metaphor is prohibited on today’s flight,” she said.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green