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

Classic Chillapeak Genuine Shearling Trimmed Boot These Ugg platform boots will both physically and metaphorically heighten your shoe game. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025

Geryon who is metaphorically and perhaps in reality a monster is infatuated with Herakles, but the internal world of Geryon is so thoroughly inspected. —Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025

These are the mothers and fathers who follow their children to campus—not just metaphorically, with daily texts about grades, outfits, or friendship drama, but physically. —Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025

The objects on display tread lightly, rhythmically, metaphorically, across the two main floors of the downtown building. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphorically

• allegorically
• rhetorically