You use the word metaphorical to indicate that you are not using words with their ordinary meaning, but are describing something by means of an image or symbol.
例句
It turns out Levy is talking in metaphorical terms...利維原來說的是一種比喻。The ship may be heading for the metaphorical rocks unless a buyer can be found.除非可以找到買家，否則這條船也許就像朝著巖石撞過去一樣下場悲慘。
英漢詞典釋義
adv.
比喻地,隱喻地
It is context and convention that determine whether a term will be interpreted literally or metaphorically.對一個詞的理解是按字面意思還是隱喻的意思要視乎上下文和習慣。