Meaning & use
metonymy
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A figure of speech in which something is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it.
See it in a sentence
Using "the crown" to mean the monarchy is a classic example of metonymy.
In the phrase "the pen is mightier than the sword," both words work through metonymy.
A note on using this word
Often confused with metaphor; metonymy relies on real-world association, not resemblance.
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