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

Even Jeff, post-premiere, has been a delight, just kind of letting the game play out and not foisting metaphors upon us at Tribal Council. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

The film opens with a stunning shot of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, which will turn into a metaphor for building all-powerful AI systems over the course of the film. — Hayden Field, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026

In this way, simile and metaphor stretch beyond what’s possible to bring us closer to what’s true. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

The other songs play out at a higher level of abstraction and metaphor. — Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 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.