metaphorically
Americanadverb
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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.
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figuratively speaking; not literally.
We are metaphorically on top of the world over his success and look forward to his return.
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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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Etymology
Origin of metaphorically
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If No. 7 seed Gauff has been somewhat allergic to grass, metaphorically speaking, Muchova literally is.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 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
Turk conceives her character as a collection of insecurities and hesitant expressions, making Dalia the perfect candidate to be metaphorically reborn through an unlikely forest adventure in which magical events will occur.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2025
She sings that starring in 2:22 led to a distance developing between the couple, both literally and metaphorically, which resulted in Harbour suggesting an open relationship.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2025
“It may metaphorically be said” was a bit of British reserve, but it was clear what Charles was arguing.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
