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

For the rest of their time in Las Vegas, his presence has only metaphorically loomed over the team. — Jay King, New York Times, 12 July 2026

At the core of this collection, though, is the heartfelt search for a place to call home, both literally and metaphorically. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 21 June 2026

But the dining room has been upholstered, metaphorically and, at times, literally, into submission. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 June 2026

Teixeira loves to travel, literally and metaphorically. — John Hopewell, Variety, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphorically

• allegorically
• rhetorically