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

Semiquincentennial becomes an unfortunate metaphor of national divisions. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 2 July 2026

Developing motivations occurs through a process, and a sports metaphor helps capture this idea. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Instead, it's turned into a timeless work that's spawned decades of study about the movie as a metaphor for the civil rights movement, Vietnam War and 1960s America. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Gyllenhaal’s movie took heat for wanting to be too many things at once, but this is one of The Bell Jar’s central metaphors. — Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Video

When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes