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 late guru, who lived quietly on Dearborn Street in Chicago, had little public profile but a slew of devotees like Hughes, who credited him with refining their acts and would journey to Chicago to sit at his knee — metaphorically, at least. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

The bear is here, now, interwoven into our individual and collective lives, literally and metaphorically. —Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026

In one of the show’s most beautiful artistic choices, a flashing red light metaphorically pulls in a hint of focus high upon the center wall. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

Almost metaphorically, while visiting Wales on February 26, Prince William and Kate Middleton braved the rain together. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphorically

• allegorically
• rhetorically