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

And even with those numbers, the shooting numbers have metaphorically left Earth. —Tony Jones, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

My advice: Kick him around a bit, metaphorically speaking. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2024

Each time, the native of Nashville's Antioch neighborhood is metaphorically baptized anew. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 19 Nov. 2024

The 18 seniors from last year who are traveling on Rhule’s dime will carry the flag, metaphorically, for all of the former Huskers who missed an opportunity to attend a bowl game from 2017 through 2023. —Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above