Recognizing Metonymy Quiz

1. Which sentence contains metonymy?

The Oval Office was busy today.

The desk was cluttered.

The windows were open.

The chairs squeaked.

“The Oval Office” represents the President and close advisors, not the physical room.

Explanation

“The Oval Office” represents the President and close advisors, not the physical room.

2. “The bench delivered its decision.” Here, “bench” refers to:

A wooden seat

The judge or group of judges

The jury members

Lawyers

“The bench” is commonly used to represent judges or the court, not the furniture.

Explanation

“The bench” is commonly used to represent judges or the court, not the furniture.

3. Which best describes metonymy?

One thing represents another linked by association

One sense is described in terms of another

An extreme exaggeration is used

The opposite of what is meant is said

Metonymy replaces an idea with something closely associated with it.

Explanation

Metonymy replaces an idea with something closely associated with it.

4. “The crown was silent during the scandal.” The word “crown” is metonymy for:

A piece of jewelry

The royal family or monarchy

The castle

A tax

“The crown” represents royal authority or the monarchy, not the object itself.

Explanation

“The crown” represents royal authority or the monarchy, not the object itself.

5. Which line shows metonymy in a school setting?

The office called your parents.

The pencil broke.

The bell rang.

The clock ticked.

“The office” represents school administrators, not the room itself.

Explanation

“The office” represents school administrators, not the room itself.

6. Match each metonym to its meaning

The silver screen inspired them.

Wall Street panicked at the news.

The pulpit spoke against injustice.

Each phrase replaces an institution with a closely associated symbol.

Explanation

Each phrase replaces an institution with a closely associated symbol.

Submit

7. “The bottle has destroyed his life.” “Bottle” stands for:

Glass containers

Alcohol and drinking

Grocery stores

Restaurants

“The bottle” is commonly used to represent alcohol or addiction.

Explanation

“The bottle” is commonly used to represent alcohol or addiction.

8. “The court will not tolerate this behavior.” Here, “court” refers to:

The building

The judge and legal authority

The audience

The lawyers’ desks

“The court” stands for the judges and legal system, not the physical space.

Explanation

“The court” stands for the judges and legal system, not the physical space.

9. Metonymy helps writing by:

Turning abstract institutions into vivid images

Removing figurative language

Making sentences longer without meaning

Only adding humor

Metonymy makes abstract ideas easier to understand by using clear, familiar associations.

Explanation

Metonymy makes abstract ideas easier to understand by using clear, familiar associations.

10. “The press stormed the hallway.” “Press” means:

Photographers only

Printing factories

Newspapers, TV, and other media

The public

“The press” stands for journalists and media organizations.

Explanation

“The press” stands for journalists and media organizations.

11. “The classroom cheered when the bell rang.” If this were metonymy, “classroom” would mean:

The paint on the walls

The desks and chairs

The students inside

The teacher’s lesson

“Classroom” would stand for the students, not the physical space.

Explanation

“Classroom” would stand for the students, not the physical space.

12. Which phrase is an example of metonymy in government?

Congress passed the bill.

The rain started.

The people voted.

The lights went out.

“Congress” represents the lawmakers, not the building or abstract idea.

Explanation

“Congress” represents the lawmakers, not the building or abstract idea.

13. Which sentence relies on metonymy?

The stage waited in silence.

The curtain fell.

The streets whispered about the rumor.

The lights turned off.

“The streets” represents the people living and talking there.

Explanation

“The streets” represents the people living and talking there.

14. Which sentence does NOT use metonymy?

Hollywood loves superhero movies.

The lab discovered a new treatment.

The leaves changed color.

The White House disagreed with Congress.

“The leaves changed color” is literal, not figurative.

Explanation

“The leaves changed color” is literal, not figurative.

15. Which example shows metonymy in the arts?

The brush captured her sorrow.

The paint dried quickly.

The water spilled.

The canvas ripped.

“The brush” represents the artist and the act of painting.

Explanation

“The brush” represents the artist and the act of painting.

Recognizing Metonymy in Context

1. Which sentence contains metonymy?

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. “The bench delivered its decision.” Here, “bench” refers to:

3. Which best describes metonymy?

4. “The crown was silent during the scandal.” The word “crown” is metonymy for:

5. Which line shows metonymy in a school setting?

6. Match each metonym to its meaning

7. “The bottle has destroyed his life.” “Bottle” stands for:

8. “The court will not tolerate this behavior.” Here, “court” refers to:

9. Metonymy helps writing by:

10. “The press stormed the hallway.” “Press” means:

11. “The classroom cheered when the bell rang.” If this were metonymy, “classroom” would mean:

12. Which phrase is an example of metonymy in government?

13. Which sentence relies on metonymy?

14. Which sentence does NOT use metonymy?

15. Which example shows metonymy in the arts?