metaphor

noun

(uncountable, rhetoric) The use of a word, phrase, concept, or set of concepts to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word, etc., that is used.

(countable, rhetoric) A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.

(countable, graphical user interface) The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.

verb

(transitive) To describe by means of a metaphor.

(intransitive) To use a metaphor.

Roots

metameta- · Greek · after, beyond fero-phor · Greek · carry, bear

Synonyms for metaphor

analogyn allegoryn similen tropen catachresisn metonymyn symbolismn allusionn synecdochen personificationn

Synonyms & related words for metaphor

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of metaphor — including analogy, allegory, simile, trope, catachresis, metonymy. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to metaphor

Explore words related to metaphor — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include metaphoric, metaphorical, metonymical, metaphorically, allegorist, metalepsis, figurative, parable. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for metaphor

Common synonyms for metaphor include analogy, allegory, simile, trope, catachresis, metonymy, symbolism, allusion — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does metaphor come from?

The word metaphor breaks down into 2 roots of Greek origin: meta-, from Greek meta (“after, beyond”); and -phor, from Greek fero (“carry, bear”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.