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

Teeming with alliteration and assonance, and overflowing with cryptic references and metaphors—known to scholars as kennings—the two poems are like two peas from the same pod. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

Romantic metaphors, too, come in handy, alluding to the vagaries of appetite and compatibility and taste. — Maggie Shipstead, Longreads, 27 Oct. 2026

Much has been debated and discussed about its many metaphors and symbolism, which employed elements of a splintered universe long before the multiverse was hijacked by Hollywood superhero spectacles. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Lee uses the image as a metaphor for fatherhood and the sacrifices parents make for their children. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026

Video

When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

Editor Peter Sokolowski breaks down a number of body parts with metaphorical uses as verbs, from head to toe.

Transcript:

Many parts of the body can be used as verbs in either a physical or a metaphorical sense. You can head a company, but if things go wrong you'll have to shoulder the blame, or face your investors. A good leader backs their employees, but if you don't toe the line you might get skinned. Did you muscle your way into that job? You might eye someone suspiciously, or wait for the police to finger a suspect. But if you need to get out of town, try thumbing a ride. You can ride with me if you can stomach the thought. I don't always sing along to the radio, but you might see me mouthing the words.