Synonyms for metaphor
ˈmɛt əˌfɔr, -fərmetaphor

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.4 / 16 votes

1. metaphor

   In modern usage we may say that an allegory is an extended simile, while a metaphor is an abbreviated simile contained often in a phrase, perhaps in a word. The simile carries its comparison on the surface, in the words as, like, or similar expressions; the metaphor is given directly without any note of comparison. The allegory, parable, or fable tells its story as if true, leaving the reader or hearer to discover its fictitious character and learn its lesson. All these are, in strict definition, fictions; but the word fiction is now applied almost exclusively to novels or romances. An allegory is a moral or religious tale, of which the moral lesson is the substance, and all descriptions and incidents but accessories, as in "The Pilgrim's Progress." A fable is generally briefer, representing animals as the speakers and actors, and commonly conveying some lesson of practical wisdom or shrewdness, as "The Fables of Æsop." A parable is exclusively moral or religious, briefer and less adorned than an allegory, with its lesson more immediately discernible, given, as it were, at a stroke. Any comparison, analogy, instance, example, tale, anecdote, or the like which serves to let in light upon a subject may be called an illustration, this word in its widest use including all the rest. Compare FICTION; STORY.

   Synonyms:
   allegory, fable, fiction, illustration, parable, simile

   Antonyms:
   chronicle, fact, history, narrative, record

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.2 / 5 votes

1. metaphor

   Synonyms:
   similitude, image

   Antonyms:
   letter, literalness

Princeton's WordNet

1. metaphornoun

   a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity

Matched Categories

1. • Trope

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:2.0 / 1 vote

1. metaphornoun

   Synonyms:
   similitude (without the signs of comparison), simile (expressed in a word)

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. metaphornoun

   Synonyms:
   simile

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "metaphor":

   analogy

How to pronounce metaphor?

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How to use metaphor in a sentence?

1. Nelson Shanks:

   If you look at the left-hand side of it there's a mantle in the Oval Office and I put a shadow coming into the painting and it does two things, it actually literally represents a shadow from a blue dress that I had on a mannequin, that I had there while I was painting it, but not when he was there. It is also a bit of a metaphor in that it represents a shadow on the office he held, or on him.

2. Barbra Streisand:

   The moral immune system of this country has been weakened and attacked, and the AIDS virus is the perfect metaphor for it. The malignant neglect of the last twelve years has led to breakdown of our country's immune system, environmentally, culturally, politically, spiritually and physically.

3. Northrop Frye:

   The metaphor of the king as the shepherd of his people goes back to ancient Egypt. Perhaps the use of this particular convention is due to the fact that, being stupid, affectionate, gregarious, and easily stampeded, the societies formed by sheep are most like human ones.

4. Shoryu Bradley:

   Zazen is the dragons roar. This dragons roar is the wind passing and whistling through a hollow tree. This can be a metaphor for your Zazen practice and or even your life. If you can let go, greatly let go, this dragons roar can manifest through you. It is much bigger than the individual.

5. Jon Stewart:

   As I sit here today, I can't help but think, what an incredible metaphor this room is for the entire process that getting health care and benefits for 9/11 first responders has come to.