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

Companies making machine learning and generative software aren’t just metaphorically ripping off books. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026

Most of the Oscar prognostication action happens around the best picture, acting and directing races, leaving the poor writing nominees metaphorically stuck alone in a room, staring at a blank screen. —Todd Longwell, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026

That idea was spooky and poignant and metaphorically potent. —Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

For what was used sort of metaphorically and hyperbolically to describe a single, local Pritzker policy, applies literally and broadly to Trump. —Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphorically

• allegorically
• rhetorically