Synonyms of metaphor

metaphor

noun

ˈme-tə-ˌfȯr 

as in analogy

an elaborate or fanciful way of expressing something

"it's raining cats and dogs" is just a colorful metaphor and not a meteorological announcement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• analogy
• figure of speech
• device
• conceit
• simile
• euphemism
• code word
• circumlocution
• dead metaphor
• catachresis
• mixed metaphor
• crank

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of metaphor

Iranian artists and intellectuals tend to rely on subtlety, embedding meaning within layers of metaphor and covert language: a necessity in a place where direct expression often comes at great risk. —Rebecca Ruth Gould, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025

Few players indulge in the metaphors of clay-court tennis like Stefanos Tsitsipas. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

This Lowertown art space (formerly known as Argyle Zebra Community Gallery) has a cool curatorial model: All their shows in a year focus on one specific metaphor. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025

Here the metaphor is jettisoned for the actual and stark story, set in the looming world of Scott Pask’s set, Heather Gilbert’s lighting and Brenda Abbandandolo’s costumes. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025

Video

When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes