Synonyms for
Metaphor
Definition
a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- extend the metaphor
- develop a metaphor
- a powerful metaphor
- a mixed metaphor
- understand the metaphor
- use a metaphor
- explore the metaphor
Word family
noun metaphor
adjective metaphorical
Usage note
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly equates two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. Be careful not to create mixed metaphors, which can be confusing.
Compare "metaphor" with another word →
Example sentences
- The metaphor 'Life is a journey' means that life is like a trip with different experiences and challenges.
- In 'He is a shining star', the metaphor compares the person to a bright star.
- The poem uses a lot of metaphors to describe nature.
- The politician used a metaphor to explain his economic policy.
- The novel is full of metaphors that represent the character's emotions.
Quotes
'All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players.' - William Shakespeare
'Language is a city to the building of which every human being brought a stone.' - Ralph Waldo Emerson
'The mind is everything. What you think you become.' - Buddha