20 Figures of Speech with Examples
Figures of speech make language more powerful, creative, and memorable. They are used in poetry, prose, speeches, and even everyday conversation. Below are 20 important figures of speech with simple definitions and 2–3 examples for each.
1. Simile
Compares two things using like or as.
- Her eyes shone like stars.
- He is as fast as a cheetah.
2. Metaphor
Compares directly by saying one thing is another.
- The world is a stage.
- His anger was a volcano ready to erupt.
3. Personification
Gives human qualities to non-human things.
- The wind whispered in my ear.
- The stars danced in the sky.
4. Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement.
- I waited forever.
- This bag weighs a ton.
5. Alliteration
Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words.
- She sells seashells by the seashore.
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
6. Onomatopoeia
Words that imitate natural sounds.
- The cat meowed.
- The fire crackled.
7. Irony
When the opposite of what is expected happens.
- A fire station burns down.
- The pilot has a fear of heights.
8. Oxymoron
Two opposite words placed together.
- Bittersweet memories.
- Deafening silence.
9. Pun
A play on words with double meaning.
- I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.
- Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
10. Allusion
A reference to a famous person, place, or event.
- He met his Waterloo.
- She has the smile of Mona Lisa.
11. Apostrophe
Addressing an absent person or thing as if present.
- O death, where is thy sting?
- Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!
12. Euphemism
Using polite words instead of harsh ones.
- He passed away (instead of died).
- She is full-figured (instead of overweight).
13. Antithesis
Two opposite ideas placed together for contrast.
- Speech is silver, but silence is golden.
- It was the best of times, worst of times.
14. Anaphora
Repetition of words at the beginning of clauses.
- I have a dream that one day...
- We shall fight on the beaches...
15. Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.
- The early bird catches the worm.
- I met a gentle bentleman.
16. Consonance
Repetition of consonant sounds in words.
- The lumpy, bumpy road.
- Pitter-patter, drip-drop.
17. Synecdoche
Part used to represent a whole (or vice versa).
- All hands on deck. (hands = sailors)
- He bought a new wheel (wheel = car).
18. Metonymy
Substitution of one word with a related one.
- The crown will decide. (crown = king/queen)
- The pen is mightier than the sword. (pen = words)
19. Paradox
A statement that seems contradictory but reveals truth.
- Less is more.
- The beginning of the end.
20. Climax (Gradation)
Arranging ideas in ascending order of importance.
- I came, I saw, I conquered.
- He lost his family, his home, and finally, his hope.
