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.

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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

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

From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026

When we first meet her, she’s not a super brave character, she is a rule follower, she is the designated driver, literally and metaphorically.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 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

Rebecca, George’s daughter, is metaphorically a winter lamb, which yields a lesson that it isn’t nice to exclude people or animals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 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