Synecdoche vs Metonymy Quiz

1. Which best describes synecdoche?

A part represents the whole or vice versa

A word replaces another closely related concept

Two unlike things are compared directly

A phrase exaggerates for effect

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something represents the whole (or the whole represents a part), such as using “hands” to mean workers.

Explanation

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something represents the whole (or the whole represents a part), such as using “hands” to mean workers.

2. Which is an example of synecdoche, not metonymy?

“The sails left the harbor.”

“The White House made an announcement.”

“Hollywood released new films.”

“The press questioned the senator.”

“Sails” refers to ships, using a physical part of the object to represent the whole, which is synecdoche.

Explanation

“Sails” refers to ships, using a physical part of the object to represent the whole, which is synecdoche.

3. Metonymy uses something related, while synecdoche uses an actual part.

True

False

Metonymy substitutes something closely associated (like “the crown” for authority), while synecdoche uses a literal part or whole.

Explanation

Metonymy substitutes something closely associated (like “the crown” for authority), while synecdoche uses a literal part or whole.

4. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is an example of:

Metonymy

Synecdoche

Personification

Hyperbole

“Pen” represents writing or ideas, and “sword” represents war or force—these are associated concepts, not physical parts.

Explanation

“Pen” represents writing or ideas, and “sword” represents war or force—these are associated concepts, not physical parts.

5. Saying “We need more boots on the ground” is synecdoche because “boots” refers to ________.

“Boots” represents soldiers, using a physical part of their gear to stand for the people themselves.

Explanation

“Boots” represents soldiers, using a physical part of their gear to stand for the people themselves.

Submit

6. Which line shows metonymy, not synecdoche?

“The crown declared war.”

“All hands on deck.”

“The farmer has ten head of cattle.”

“She has a kind heart.”

“The crown” represents authority or government by association, not by using a physical part of the people.

Explanation

“The crown” represents authority or government by association, not by using a physical part of the people.

7. Match the phrase to the figure of speech

“All hands on deck.”

“The White House spoke today.”

“The orchestra tuned its strings.”

“Hands” and “strings” are physical parts representing people, while “White House” represents an institution by association.

Explanation

“Hands” and “strings” are physical parts representing people, while “White House” represents an institution by association.

Submit

8. Synecdoche always involves something tangible.

True

False

Synecdoche relies on physical parts or wholes (hands, heads, wheels), not abstract ideas.

Explanation

Synecdoche relies on physical parts or wholes (hands, heads, wheels), not abstract ideas.

9. “He drank the cup in one gulp.” Why is this NOT synecdoche?

The container is confused with its contents (metonymy).

It’s exaggeration.

It’s metaphor.

It’s literal.

The cup stands for what is inside it, which is metonymy, not a part-whole relationship.

Explanation

The cup stands for what is inside it, which is metonymy, not a part-whole relationship.

10. Metonymy shows connection by association, while synecdoche shows connection by ________.

Synecdoche depends on physical parts and wholes, while metonymy depends on conceptual association.

Explanation

Synecdoche depends on physical parts and wholes, while metonymy depends on conceptual association.

Submit

11. “England decided to keep calm and carry on.” “England” represents:

The people of England

The land itself

The language

The government buildings

The country name represents its citizens, using the whole to stand for its people.

Explanation

The country name represents its citizens, using the whole to stand for its people.

12. “The strings performed beautifully” is metonymy.

True

False

This is synecdoche because “strings” refers to the musicians who play string instruments.

Explanation

This is synecdoche because “strings” refers to the musicians who play string instruments.

13. Which phrase represents a whole for a part?

“The army attacked.” (meaning soldiers)

“The student read the book.”

“The tree swayed.”

“The phone rang.”

“The army” refers to individual soldiers, using the whole group to represent its members.

Explanation

“The army” refers to individual soldiers, using the whole group to represent its members.

14. Which is NOT a synecdoche?

“Nice wheels!”

“Hollywood announced the nominees.”

“All hands were busy.”

“Fifty head of cattle grazed.”

“Hollywood” represents the film industry by association, which is metonymy, not synecdoche.

Explanation

“Hollywood” represents the film industry by association, which is metonymy, not synecdoche.

15. Why is it useful to know the difference between synecdoche and metonymy?

It helps interpret deeper meaning and tone in literature.

It helps find rhymes.

It shows only literal meaning.

It makes dialogue longer

Understanding the difference helps readers analyze figurative language more accurately and interpret an author’s purpose and tone.

Explanation

Understanding the difference helps readers analyze figurative language more accurately and interpret an author’s purpose and tone.

Synecdoche vs. Metonymy