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
Peter WaynerAt a typical event, he comes crashing onstage, delivers a macho statement of intent, metaphorically flexes his muscles, then roars away.—Terry McCarthy
Terry McCarthyThey settled in Somerville, Mass., next door to Cambridge but metaphorically across the tracks.—Laura Shapiro
Laura ShapiroExamples of metaphorically in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The answer so far, metaphorically speaking, is like taking a Mike Tyson punch.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
The ink of the Emancipation Proclamation was still metaphorically wet, and yet already, Black women were being told to wait — first for race to be solved, then for class, and only then, maybe, for gender.
—Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
As Joe Biden tottered and fell (literally as well as metaphorically), more than a few pundits compared him to Lear, a man who was ruined by age, pride, and the flattery of sycophants.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
While that development is enough to make any teenager want to die — metaphorically!
—Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
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Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
The ink of the Emancipation Proclamation was still metaphorically wet, and yet already, Black women were being told to wait — first for race to be solved, then for class, and only then, maybe, for gender.
—Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
As Joe Biden tottered and fell (literally as well as metaphorically), more than a few pundits compared him to Lear, a man who was ruined by age, pride, and the flattery of sycophants.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
While that development is enough to make any teenager want to die — metaphorically!
—Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Cite this Entry
“Metaphorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphorically. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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