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 story took a metaphorically magical bent, focusing on music’s power to unite — and potentially summon a bear. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025

So here are the best pour-over coffeemakers this week, metaphorically speaking. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 May 2025

Several numbers have a been-there feel, such as when Itzel sings metaphorically about longing for the freedom of a bird. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025

But the long-term San Francisco renter has a permanent home — metaphorically — in Flushing. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphorically

• allegorically
• rhetorically