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

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

Inevitably, exponential “towers of powers”—a chain of exponents stacked vertically—can metaphorically tip over, hitting their functional limit.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

But that of course was in Texas, a long way from the polished glitz of Hollywood, and the same could be said of Gyllenhaal — at least metaphorically.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Dell thinks that he's going to take me right back to Jamison, but Mai puts her foot down, metaphorically speaking.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan