Antonyms for allegory
ˈæl əˌgɔr i, -ˌgoʊr ial·le·go·ry

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.7 / 3 votes

1. allegory

   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.

   Antonyms:
   chronicle, fact, history, narrative, record

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

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. allegory

   Antonyms:
   history, fact, narrative

   Synonyms:
   parable, metaphor, fable, illustration, image

Matched Categories

1. • Expressive Style
   • Symbol

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. fable, parable, allegory, apologuenoun

   a short moral story (often with animal characters)

   Synonyms:
   legend, fabrication, emblem, parable, apologue, fiction, fable

2. emblem, allegorynoun

   a visible symbol representing an abstract idea

   Synonyms:
   parable, fable, emblem, apologue

3. allegorynoun

   an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor

   Synonyms:
   fable, parable, emblem, apologue

How to use allegory in a sentence?

1. J. R. R. Tolkien:

   I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence.

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