25 Types of Figurative Language to Know in High School

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Paradox

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A statement that appears contradictory but reveals a truth upon closer inspection. Example: 'I can resist anything but temptation.'

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Metonymy

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A figure of speech where a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it. Example: 'Lend me your ears.' (Ears meaning to listen)

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Hyperbole

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An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis. Example: 'This suitcase weighs a ton.'

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Chiasmus

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A verbal pattern where the second half of an expression is balanced against the first by reversing the parts. Example: 'I don't live to work, I work to live.'

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Dramatic Irony

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A situation where the audience knows more about the events than the characters do. Example: In horror movies, the audience knows the killer is in the room before the character does.

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Simile

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A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Her smile was like the sun.'

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Metaphor

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A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Time is a thief.'

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Oxymoron

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A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. Example: 'Deafening silence.'

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Allusion

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An indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work. Example: 'He has the Midas touch.' (referring to King Midas from mythology)

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Personification

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Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities. Example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'