Metonymy vs Synecdoche Quiz

1. “The bottle has him in chains.” What deeper idea is suggested by this metonymy?

Alcohol addiction controls him.

He is a glass-maker.

He collects bottles.

He is in prison.

“The bottle” represents alcohol, suggesting addiction and loss of control.

Explanation

“The bottle” represents alcohol, suggesting addiction and loss of control.

2. What is the key difference between metonymy and synecdoche?

Metonymy is exaggeration; synecdoche is literal.

Metonymy is association; synecdoche is part–whole.

Metonymy is a sound device; synecdoche is rhythm.

They are exactly the same.

Metonymy replaces something with a closely related idea, while synecdoche replaces something with a part of the whole (or the whole for a part).

Explanation

Metonymy replaces something with a closely related idea, while synecdoche replaces something with a part of the whole (or the whole for a part).

3. “All hands on deck” is best labeled as:

Metonymy

Simile

Synecdoche

Hyperbole

“Hands” is a physical part used to represent entire sailors, which makes it synecdoche.

Explanation

“Hands” is a physical part used to represent entire sailors, which makes it synecdoche.

4. Which one is metonymy?

The wheels screeched to a stop.

The crown remained silent.

The faces turned away.

The sails filled with wind.

“The crown” represents the ruler or government by association, not by a literal part.

Explanation

“The crown” represents the ruler or government by association, not by a literal part.

5. Metonymy shows a connection between two things through:

Sound repetition

Contrast

Association or relationship

Direct comparison

Metonymy works by replacing something with a closely related concept, such as an institution or object.

Explanation

Metonymy works by replacing something with a closely related concept, such as an institution or object.

6. Which sentence shows both personification and metonymy?

Wall Street trembled at the news.

The dog barked loudly.

The car stopped.

The clock ticked.

“Wall Street” represents financial markets (metonymy), and “trembled” gives it human emotion (personification).

Explanation

“Wall Street” represents financial markets (metonymy), and “trembled” gives it human emotion (personification).

7. When a tool or object stands for its function (e.g., “the pen” for writing), we call this:

Metonymy

Hyperbole

Simile

Synecdoche

The object is linked to its purpose through association, which is metonymy.

Explanation

The object is linked to its purpose through association, which is metonymy.

8. Which line is NOT an example of metonymy?

The court is in session.

The theatre applauded the actor.

The student read the book.

The press gathered outside.

“The student read the book” is literal and does not use figurative substitution.

Explanation

“The student read the book” is literal and does not use figurative substitution.

9. In literature, metonymy often helps writers:

Summarize large systems in one image

Remove figurative language

Avoid symbolism

Focus only on sound

Metonymy allows complex institutions or ideas to be represented by a single, recognizable symbol.

Explanation

Metonymy allows complex institutions or ideas to be represented by a single, recognizable symbol.

10. “Washington decided to act.” Here, “Washington” is metonymy for:

The physical city

The federal government

The people of Washington state

The local mayor

“Washington” stands for the U.S. federal government through association.

Explanation

“Washington” stands for the U.S. federal government through association.

11. Which best explains why metonymy can be powerful?

It turns abstract forces into specific symbols readers recognize.

It makes rhyming easier.

It solves grammar problems.

It avoids emotional impact.

Metonymy makes abstract ideas clearer by linking them to familiar images or names.

Explanation

Metonymy makes abstract ideas clearer by linking them to familiar images or names.

12. Which example is metonymy, not synecdoche?

All hands on deck.

Fifty head of cattle grazed.

The law arrived at the scene.

Three sails crossed the horizon.

“The law” represents police or legal authorities through association, not by using a physical part.

Explanation

“The law” represents police or legal authorities through association, not by using a physical part.

13. “The pulpit cried out for justice.” “Pulpit” stands for:

A wooden stand

The religious leaders speaking

The building’s design

The choir members

“The pulpit” represents religious leaders or sermons through association.

Explanation

“The pulpit” represents religious leaders or sermons through association.

14. Which sentence uses synecdoche rather than metonymy?

We need more boots on the ground.

Wall Street is nervous again.

The press won’t let it go.

The crown is under pressure.

“Boots” refers to soldiers using a physical part, making it synecdoche rather than metonymy.

Explanation

“Boots” refers to soldiers using a physical part, making it synecdoche rather than metonymy.

15. Match the figure of speech with the example

Synecdoche

Metonymy

Metaphor

“All hands” uses a part for the whole (synecdoche), “White House” represents government (metonymy), and “Life is a journey” is a direct comparison (metaphor).

Explanation

“All hands” uses a part for the whole (synecdoche), “White House” represents government (metonymy), and “Life is a journey” is a direct comparison (metaphor).

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