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

There are tangible ways business leaders can bring artists into the room not just metaphorically, but structurally. 1. —Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025

But other similarities felt like signs of the times — look at the characters who metaphorically and literally turned the music up in an effort to drown out what’s happening around them. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 May 2025

As a leader, your job is to speak clearly — metaphorically and actually. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025

As a leader, your job is to speak clearly – metaphorically and actually. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metaphorically

• allegorically
• rhetorically