allegory

noun

ˈa-lə-ˌgȯr-ē How to pronounce allegory (audio)
Definition of allegorynext
as in parable
a story intended to teach a basic truth or moral about life Dr. Seuss's story "The Sneetches" is a telling allegory about tolerance for people's differences

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of allegory This is finally an allegory of humanity’s needs beyond food, water, and shelter. — Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 There are allegories that can be read about fear of the unknown breeding cruelty and exploitation, but Disclosure Day is first and foremost a propulsive yarn with thematic roots in hope, truth, empathy and perhaps even spirituality. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026 His story is an allegory for refereeing football matches. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 9 June 2026 In the span of 25 minutes and approximately 2,900 juggles, Lea Gentry wrote her own allegory. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegory
  1. parable
  2. fable
  3. tale
Noun
  • Mandela’s life and South Africa’s history should never be flattened into a corporate parable.
    — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The pair’s mysterious interactions in the early chapters give way to a series of parables of doubt and belief, in which a rational character is confronted by an irrational event—and immediately convinced of its absolute truth.
    — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Definition of parable
Noun
  • The Little Prince is one of those books that is thought of as both a philosophical fable for children and adults.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
  • Explore the Wild West from the back of a rickety wagon as characters share famed fables about Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, Pecos Bill, John Henry and Hekeke.
    — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • In her 2018 novel, Miller reimagines the witch’s tale as one of a woman’s becoming.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Each week, writer and producer Steve Cubine, who actually lives near the Hollywood Sign, and actress/writer Nan McNamara explore, discuss, and dissect the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of tale

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allegories
allegory
allegro
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Cite this Entry

“Allegory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegory. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on allegory

Nglish: Translation of allegory for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about allegory

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