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
Isbell shines acoustically Imagine being a guest at what should've felt like a night at the theater but instead metaphorically felt like an 18-course private chef's menu tasting with an artist-as-chef that many in attendance view as a tortured genius in repose.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
But with his microphone always metaphorically on, Swaggart was often caught making deeply divisive statements.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 1 July 2025
The invisible city extended underground, metaphorically if not always literally.
—Kian Tajbakhsh, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
The real-life couple play Millie and Tim, lovers who seem to be drifting apart until something strange and terrible joins them at the hip, physically and metaphorically.
—Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
But with his microphone always metaphorically on, Swaggart was often caught making deeply divisive statements.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 1 July 2025
The invisible city extended underground, metaphorically if not always literally.
—Kian Tajbakhsh, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
The real-life couple play Millie and Tim, lovers who seem to be drifting apart until something strange and terrible joins them at the hip, physically and metaphorically.
—Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 16 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 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share