metaphorically

adverb

met·​a·​phor·​i·​cal·​ly ˌme-tə-ˈfȯr-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈfär-

: in a metaphorical or figurative sense rather than a literal sense : by using a metaphor

At the center of every encryption system is a secret number or mathematical operation, metaphorically referred to as a key.

—Peter Wayner

At a typical event, he comes crashing onstage, delivers a macho statement of intent, metaphorically flexes his muscles, then roars away.

—Terry McCarthy

They settled in Somerville, Mass., next door to Cambridge but metaphorically across the tracks.

—Laura Shapiro

Examples of metaphorically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a story of opening boxes, physically and metaphorically. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025

Everyone's favorite robot killer is back to slay — both literally and metaphorically — in the sequel to the 2022 horror movie. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 27 June 2025

Make space - both metaphorically and literally - for conversations, collaboration, and trust-building. —Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

There are tangible ways business leaders can bring artists into the room not just metaphorically, but structurally. 1. —Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphorically

• allegorically
• rhetorically