allegorical

adjective

al·​le·​gor·​i·​cal ˌa-lə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl How to pronounce allegorical (audio)
-ˈgär-
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of allegory
allegorical paintings
allegorical meanings of images
allegorical symbols of our culture
2
: having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text
allegorically adverb
allegoricalness noun

Examples of allegorical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Or were her emotions in fact the puppets, forced to act out an illustrative action-adventure in allegorical space? Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 17 June 2024 Dial created works in a variety of modes, from allegorical paintings to massive assemblages. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2024 Director Neill Blomkamp is best known for his gritty, allegorical sci-fi films. Issy Van Der Velde, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024 Not that this was Tolkien’s approach; his style is more mythic than allegorical. Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for allegorical 

Word History

Etymology

allegoric "allegorical" (borrowed from Late Latin allēgoricus, borrowed from Greek allēgorikós, from allēgoría allegory + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allegorical was in 1528

Dictionary Entries Near allegorical

Cite this Entry

“Allegorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allegorical. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!