metaphorically

American  

[met-uh-fawr-ik-lee, -for-] / ˌmɛt əˈfɔr ɪk li, -ˈfɒr- /

adverb

1. in a way that constitutes a metaphor, a figure of speech that refers to one thing in terms of another, suggesting a resemblance between the two.

   The native Romani word “drakhalin,” whose literal meaning is “grapevine,” is often used metaphorically to mean the internet.

2. figuratively speaking; not literally.

   We are metaphorically on top of the world over his success and look forward to his return.

3. as a symbol or emblem representing something else.

   In various biblical contexts, salt is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, value, and purification.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonmetaphorically
  adverb
• semimetaphorically
  adverb
• submetaphorically
  adverb

---

Etymology

Origin of metaphorically

metaphorical ( def. ) + -ly

---

Compare meaning

How does metaphorically compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• metaphorically vs. figuratively

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

metaphorically

Our critic noted, “Despite a sea between them literally and metaphorically, Europe and the Americas shared a common imagination, a curiosity to explain the unknown, and a desire to make the mystical beautiful.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026

He kind of dropped the ball again after the game — metaphorically this time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

Be sure to vote and then watch the fallout, metaphorically speaking — hopefully not literally.

From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026

One by one, coaches and players have spoken about it this week - this need to fire shots, metaphorically and literally.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

I don’t share that I think the three of us all might have it metaphorically.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---