Synonyms for allegory
Definitions
- n. 1
The use of symbols which may be interpreted to reveal a hidden, broader message, usually a moral or political one, about real-world issues and occurrences; also, the interpretation of such symbols.
Related words
- Word family
- allegoric allegorical allegorize
Forms
- Plural
- allegories → parables, fables, stories, myths…
Choose the right word
In modern usage we may say that an allegory is an extended simile, while a metaphor is an abbreviated simile contained often in a phrase, perhaps in a word. The allegory, parable, or fable tells its story as if true, leaving the reader or hearer to discover its fictitious character and learn its lesson.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- fiction About half of everything he says is sheer fiction.
- myth There's a myth that Edison invented the light bulb.
- fable Who doesn't know the fable "The Fox and the Grapes"?
- parable The parable of the talents is one of my favorites.
- metaphor Churchill uses the metaphor of building a temple.
- emblem The royal emblem was engraved upon the invitation.
By length
- 4 letters
- myth1
- 5 letters
- story2, fable2
- 6 letters
- emblem2, simile
- 7 letters
- fiction2, parable3
- 8 letters
- metaphor3, apologue
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (story2 = 2 syllables).