Looking for synonyms for figure of speech? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say figure of speech.
- Metaphor
- Simile
- Idiom
- Allegory
- Hyperbole
- Euphemism
- Irony
- Sarcasm
- Personification
- Alliteration
- Onomatopoeia
- Oxymoron
- Paradox
- Pun
- Anaphora
- Epithet
- Litotes
- Metonymy
- Synecdoche
- Aphorism
Want to learn how to say figure of speech professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Metaphor
A metaphor is appropriate when you want to illustrate a concept by directly comparing it to something else without using “like” or “as”. It’s useful in conveying complex ideas in a more relatable way.
- Example: The classroom was a beehive of activity before the holidays.
2. Simile
Use a simile to make a comparison between two things explicitly using the words “like” or “as”. It’s helpful for creating vivid imagery or explaining characteristics.
- Example: The negotiations between the companies moved like molasses in winter.
3. Idiom
Idioms are phrases with a meaning that cannot be understood from the individual words’ literal meanings. They are best used in informal contexts or to add color to writing.
- Example: Saying he’s “out of the loop” means he’s not informed about what’s going on.
4. Allegory
An allegory is suitable for conveying deeper meanings and complex ideas through symbolic figures, actions, or imagery. It’s often used in narratives to explore moral or philosophical issues.
- Example: The story served as an allegory for the dangers of greed.
5. Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. It’s useful for emphasis or to convey strong feelings.
- Example: They waited an eternity for the report to be finalized.
6. Euphemism
A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt. It’s appropriate in sensitive contexts.
- Example: The company is going through a series of “staffing adjustments.”
7. Irony
Irony involves stating something that is contrary to what is expected or what actually happens. It’s useful for adding humor or critical tone.
- Example: The fire station burned down last night.
8. Sarcasm
Sarcasm is the use of irony to mock or convey contempt. It’s best used carefully, as it can be misunderstood or come off as unprofessional in certain contexts.
- Example: “Great, another email,” he said, as his inbox overflowed.
9. Personification
Personification involves giving human characteristics to non-human things. It is useful for creating engaging and imaginative descriptions.
- Example: The wind whispered through the trees.
10. Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of closely connected words. It’s used for emphasis, musical effect, or to make phrases more memorable.
- Example: The sweet smell of success.
11. Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. It’s effective in making descriptions more vivid.
- Example: The bees buzzed busily as they moved from flower to flower.
12. Oxymoron
An oxymoron combines contradictory terms in a phrase. It’s useful for creating a striking effect or to emphasize contrasts.
- Example: The report was filled with jumbo shrimp.
13. Paradox
A paradox is a statement that contradicts itself but might contain a truth. It’s used to provoke thought or to illustrate an opinion or statement.
- Example: This statement is false.
14. Pun
A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect.
- Example: Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
15. Anaphora
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. It’s used for emphasis or to create a rhythmic effect.
- Example: We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields.
16. Epithet
An epithet is a descriptive term (word or phrase) accompanying or occurring in place of a name and having entered into common usage. It can add to a person, place, thing, or event.
- Example: Alexander the Great.
17. Litotes
Litotes is a figure of speech that employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, a positive statement expressed by negating its opposite expressions.
- Example: It’s not uncommon for CEOs to work 60 hours a week.
18. Metonymy
Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with that thing or concept.
- Example: The pen is mightier than the sword.
19. Synecdoche
Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa.
- Example: All hands on deck.
20. Aphorism
An aphorism is a pithy observation that contains a general truth.
- Example: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
