metaphor
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for metaphor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A figure of speech that describes something by calling it another thing, implying a comparison without using "like" or "as".
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use metaphor
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek metaphora, from metaphero ("to transfer, carry across"), from meta- + phero ("to carry").
Full origin of metaphor →Frequently asked questions
What does “metaphor” mean?
The word “metaphor” means a figure of speech that describes something by calling it another thing, implying a comparison without using "like" or "as". In plain terms, describing one thing as if it were another thing, to make a point vividly (without saying "like" or "as").
How do you pronounce “metaphor”?
“Metaphor” is pronounced MEH-tuh-fuh (/ˈmɛt.ə.foɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “metaphor” in a sentence?
Here is “metaphor” used in a sentence: “"Time is a thief" is a metaphor, not a literal statement.”
What part of speech is “metaphor”?
“Metaphor” is a noun.
Where does the word “metaphor” come from?
The word “metaphor” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek metaphora, from metaphero ("to transfer, carry across"), from meta- + phero ("to carry").
Is “metaphor” a common word?
“Metaphor” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A metaphor describes something by directly calling it another thing, while a simile makes the same kind of comparison using "like" or "as". For example, "time is a thief" is a metaphor, but "time flies like an arrow" is a simile.
What is an example of a metaphor in everyday speech?
Common everyday metaphors include "the world is your oyster" and "she has a heart of stone", both of which describe something by equating it with another thing rather than comparing it explicitly. These phrases are so familiar that speakers often use them without noticing the figurative comparison.
When should you use a metaphor instead of literal language?
Metaphors are useful when you want to make an idea more vivid, memorable, or emotionally resonant than a plain statement would allow. They work best in creative, persuasive, or descriptive writing, but can obscure meaning in technical or formal contexts where precision matters more than imagery.