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

But not sweating things that are literally and metaphorically heated is essential to who Andrew Yancy is, and Vaughn is completely in tune with his frequency. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024

Historians digging, metaphorically and not, for clues. —Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 3 Dec. 2024

Relegation of certain symbols has become metaphorically relevant. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024

You’re suppressed metaphorically by the architecture. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above