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
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The biographical circumstances and the reddish tinge of the foremost prisoner’s hair have led commentators to interpret the image metaphorically, even solipsistically––the prisoner becomes a cipher for van Gogh, physically and psychologically incarcerated.
—Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
Sweetness and sustenance — pleasure and wealth, metaphorically speaking — are being put away for safekeeping.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
McCandless seems to metaphorically have astronaut yarns in his DNA.
—Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Except Rowan can’t call her dad in a panic from the smoking porch because her dad is the one pouring the Jägermeister shots (metaphorically speaking).
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025
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Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
Sweetness and sustenance — pleasure and wealth, metaphorically speaking — are being put away for safekeeping.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
McCandless seems to metaphorically have astronaut yarns in his DNA.
—Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Except Rowan can’t call her dad in a panic from the smoking porch because her dad is the one pouring the Jägermeister shots (metaphorically speaking).
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metaphorically
Articles Related to metaphorically
Cite this Entry
“Metaphorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphorically. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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