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

Now Hannigan bares all (metaphorically, jeez!) about the movie. —Mara Reinstein, Vulture, 6 June 2024

In 2013, guitarist Richie Sambora abruptly exited the band and, just two years later, Bon Jovi began experiencing issues with that both literally and metaphorically stole his voice from him. —EW.com, 6 June 2024

However, not all of that potential is likely to be realized—the impact of this growth will likely be lessened through the diversification of your portfolio (metaphorically speaking). —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2024

Okun argued that by using taxes and transfers of wealth to equalize economic outcomes, the government distorts incentives—or that, to put it metaphorically, the harder the government tries to ensure that the economic pie is cut into slices of a similar size, the smaller the pie becomes. —N. Gregory Mankiw, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2018

This sector loves to seek out the spotlight, literally or metaphorically, so you may feel pulled between two extremes. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2024

Leveraging the powers of federal court, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter has elevated himself, metaphorically speaking, to that position above governmental boundaries that no political leader or bureaucrat can reach. —Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024

The 12 tracks on Water’s Here in You are stuffed with references to land and light that can be taken both literally and metaphorically, and everything is tinted blue — the album could serve as an audio accompaniment to Maggie Nelson’s book Bluets. —Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2024

The tiny tool has a lot of star power, literally and metaphorically: In the past year, the new-and-improved version has been used on celebrity after celebrity, including Charles Melton, Olivia Wilde, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above