What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
metonymous
Example
The White House issued a statement. [metonymous: adjective]
Example
The pen is mightier than the sword. [metonymous: figure of speech]
Example
All hands on deck. [metonymous: linguistic device]
metonymic
Example
The crown is in danger. [metonymic: adjective]
Example
The suits on Wall Street are making decisions. [metonymic: figure of speech]
Example
The pen is mightier than the sword. [metonymic: linguistic device]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Metonymic is more commonly used than metonymous in everyday language. Metonymic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while metonymous is less common and may be associated with a more formal or academic tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between metonymous and metonymic?
While metonymous can be associated with a more formal or academic tone, metonymic can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a wider range of situations.