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 Pulitzer-winning neo-slave narrative reimagines the Underground Railroad as a real subterranean network, in a Sisyphean allegory that illustrates the relentless metamorphoses of white supremacy and Black resistance. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 July 2026 Hawthorne’s tale is not just an allegory of the Revolution. — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 This is finally an allegory of humanity’s needs beyond food, water, and shelter. — Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 His story is an allegory for refereeing football matches. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 9 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
  • Likewise, Schoenbrun specializes in zeitgeisty fables about 21st century isolation.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Here is the rather randy first trailer for Wicker, the comedic fable starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage that debuted at Sundance in January.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • But the tale is even more poignant now, because as part of the team’s offensive transformation, fueled by the hiring of former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, the Vikings are handing Bredeson a hefty role.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The two dashing newcomers have since been regaling the Georgia Aquarium’s existing belugas, a quartet of females*, with tales of their peregrinations.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 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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