What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
synecdoche
Example
All hands on deck. [hands: synecdoche for people]
Example
The White House announced a new policy. [White House: synecdoche for the US government]
metonymy
Example
The pen is mightier than the sword. [pen: metonymy for writing]
Example
The Crown has decided to intervene. [Crown: metonymy for the monarchy]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Metonymy is more commonly used in everyday language and journalism, while synecdoche is more commonly used in literature and poetry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between synecdoche and metonymy?
Both synecdoche and metonymy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but metonymy is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
