metaphorically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "metaphorically" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that something is being described in a figurative sense rather than literally. An example is: "He was drowning in a sea of paperwork, metaphorically speaking." Alternative expressions include "figuratively," "symbolically," and "in a figurative sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'I'm influenced by the blues and how those songs reek metaphorically of sex and wanting,' he says.

The Guardian - Music

We have become suspicious: of their mawkish advertising, of their treatment of farmers, of their desperate bids to package up things that really don't need packaging up at all (I mean this literally and metaphorically, versions of "restaurant-style" dishes being every bit as phoney and wasteful as apples wrapped in too much plastic).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As PriyankaV wrote: I felt that an important theme of the book was the vantage that flying provided him, both literally and metaphorically – whether it included looking down at the earth and up at the stars or the distance from people that the job entailed.

The Guardian - Books

Metaphorically, the band didn't even fly first class, but that didn't stop armchair critics from complaining that Pomplamoose didn't deserve to get on the plane to begin with, those plane-taking wankers.

The Guardian - Opinion

For example Lancashire delayed their heavy roller joker in their opening game at Trent Bridge, choosing not to use it before their first innings and instead keeping it up their sleeves (metaphorically, obviously - even Jack Simmons didn't have shirts that big) for the second.

The Guardian - Sport

He entertained us with wit and whisky on his balcony, a literary Tiberius metaphorically tossing politicians, critics, and a good deal of contemporary literature over the balustrade and into the abyss.

The Guardian - Travel

Ferguson appears to be a forgiving soul, and United's pre-emptive ban seems to suggest that, rather than off-loading their genius, they are going to fight (metaphorically speaking) to retain his services.

The Guardian - Sport

Brentford's Warburton, a former City financier, would relish sticking two fingers up – metaphorically of course – at a board that has decreed he will be replaced with imported continental intellect willing to conform to a "mathematical modelling" system this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Metaphorically at least, Miller seems to have lived for years with a protective arm around her shoulder, which explains why such a reasonable man took unreasonable exception to the press's attitude.

The Guardian

I won't ruin any surprises, but let's just say Heston undergoes a major change that results in him being, as Owen explains, "not as buttoned up, literally and metaphorically".

The Guardian

My first question should, metaphorically, be a slow, long hop, which she hit for six.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the adverb close to the verb or adjective it modifies to ensure the reader connects the non-literal intent to the correct part of the sentence.

Common error

Do not use "metaphorically" for plain descriptions that do not involve a comparison. It is intended to signal a metaphor, which is the comparison of one thing to another unrelated thing. Using it as a general synonym for 'exaggeratedly' can weaken your prose.

How to use

Learn how to use "metaphorically" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The word "metaphorically" is an adverb that serves as a semantic modifier. It qualifies a statement to indicate that it should be interpreted through analogy or figure of speech rather than as a literal fact. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs like 'smacking' or 'drowning' to prevent physical misinterpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Social Media

15%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "metaphorically" is an essential tool for writers who wish to use vivid, imaginative language without compromising clarity. As demonstrated by the extensive examples in Ludwig, this term is frequently used by authoritative news sources like The Economist to anchor figures of speech in a non-literal context. Whether used to explain that someone is 'rolling heads' or 'striking gold', it provides the necessary linguistic safety net to ensure the reader understands the intended symbolic meaning. For the best results, use it to resolve potential confusion between literal and figurative events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figuratively

Focuses broadly on figures of speech rather than just metaphors.

in a figurative sense

Provides a more formal phrasal structure for the same meaning.

by way of metaphor

A more descriptive prepositional phrase used in academic writing.

symbolically

Emphasizes the symbolic representation of an idea rather than the linguistic comparison.

non-literally

A direct technical negation of literalness.

allegorically

Implies a deeper narrative or moral meaning extending through a whole story.

in a manner of speaking

A more idiomatic and conversational way to signal non-literal intent.

conceptually

Focuses on the abstract idea rather than the specific word choice.

poetically

Suggests that the comparison is made for aesthetic or evocative reasons.

representatively

Focuses on how one thing stands as a representative for another.

FAQs

How to use "metaphorically" in a sentence?

You can use it to clarify that a statement is a figure of speech, for example: 'She was drowning in work, "metaphorically".' You can also use it as part of an introductory phrase like "metaphorically speaking".

What is the difference between "metaphorically" and "figuratively"?

"metaphorically" refers specifically to the use of metaphors. While "figuratively" is often interchangeable, it is a broader term that encompasses all non-literal language including similes and hyperbole.

What can I say instead of "metaphorically"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "figuratively", "symbolically", or "non-literally".

When should I use "metaphorically" instead of "allegorically"?

Use "metaphorically" for short, direct comparisons. Use "allegorically" when you are referring to a story or image that has a hidden moral or political meaning throughout its entirety.