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

The song is about the blood women bleed every month in a material sense but also metaphorically. —Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 24 Apr. 2024

Every character gets metaphorically slimed with backstage greasepaint. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 July 2024

For example, a number of popular signs and slogans have cropped up comparing the United States to Nazi Germany or showing Russia metaphorically raping the United States. —Valerie Sperling, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2015

Thinking The evolution of religion: Why belief systems are literally false and metaphorically true Where do your beliefs come from? —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above