Definitions

synecdoche

[si-nek-duh-kee] / sɪˈnɛk də ki /

NOUN

figure of speech

Synonyms

WEAK

adumbration allegory alliteration allusion analogue analogy anaphora anticlimax antistrophe antithesis aposiopesis apostrophe asyndeton bathos comparison conceit device echoism ellipsis euphemism euphuism exaggeration expression flourish flower hyperbole image imagery irony litotes malapropism manner of speaking metaphor metonymy onomatopoeia ornament oxymoron parable paradox parallel personification proteron rhetoric sarcasm satire simile stylistic device trope tropology turn of phrase understatement way of speaking

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Charlie Kaufman's films — "Being John Malkovich," "Adaptation.," and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," which he wrote, and "Synecdoche, New York," and "Anomalisa," which he directed — are cheeky and depressing headscratchers.

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2020

This 20-year-old actor’s debut in Josephine Decker’s brilliant Madeline’s Madeline is on par with Natalie Portman in Black Swan and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Synecdoche, New York, in the pantheon of art-and-life-blurring roles.

From The Guardian • Jan. 9, 2019

This will mark the Oscar-winning screenwriter’s third time directing a feature film, after Synecdoche, New York and Anomalisa.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2018

Much of Charlie Kaufman's work - from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to Synecdoche, New York, his 2008 directorial debut - features male protagonists enduring internal suffering, but under darkly funny circumstances.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2016

Let us begin with the figure called Synecdoche.

From The Philosophy of Style by Spencer, Herbert

Vocabulary lists containing synecdoche

Poetry: Literary Devices

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Rhetoric

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The AP English Exam: Rhetorical and Literary Terms 4

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!