Synonyms for metaphor
Most common
Definitions
- n. 1
The use of a word, phrase, concept, or set of concepts to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word, etc., that is used.
Related words
- Word family
- metaphoric metaphorical metaphorically metaphoricity metonym
- Phrases
- extended metaphor
- Is a kind of
- figure of speech trope
Forms
- Plural
- metaphors → allegories, similes, imageries, images…
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.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- image We need to present a good image of Algeria abroad.
- imagery The poem relies heavily on imagery associated with night.
- allegory That's an allegory. Do you know what that is?
- similitude The similitude of the princess to the former queen was striking.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| metaphor | rising | |
| image | rising | |
| imagery | rising | |
| allegory | rising | |
| simile | steady | |
| similitude | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- image2
- 6 letters
- figure2, simile
- 7 letters
- imagery3
- 8 letters
- allegory4
- 10 letters
- similitude
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (image2 = 2 syllables).