figure of speech

[fig-yer uhv speech] / ˈfɪg yər əv ˈspitʃ /

NOUN

non-literal communication

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 synecdoche 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.

That’s not a figure of speech but a literal description of the situation Neglia inherited.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2024

Which word means a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect?

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2023

The term “deafening silence” is even a common figure of speech.

From Scientific American • Jul. 10, 2023

As to his judgment, I have no figure of speech.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2021

“It’s just a figure of speech, man,” Percy said.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan