What Is Metonymy?

  • 9th Grade,
  • 10th Grade
Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Thames
T
Thames
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,566,648
| Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Please wait...
Question 1 / 16
🏆 Rank #-- ▾
Score 0/100
1. What is metonymy?

Explanation

Metonymy replaces one word with another that is closely associated with it, like “the White House” for the U.S. President/administration.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
What Is Metonymy? - Quiz

Metonymy allows writers to replace ideas with closely related concepts. In this metonymy quiz, you’ll explore how objects, places, or symbols stand in for larger ideas. You’ll practice recognizing common metonymic expressions, analyze how associations shape meaning, and understand how this device simplifies complex ideas. Each question builds your ability... see moreto identify metonymy clearly and interpret its purpose in communication.
see less

2.
You may optionally provide this to label your report, leaderboard, or certificate.
2. Which sentence contains metonymy?

Explanation

“The White House” stands for the President and staff, not the building itself.

Submit
3. Metonymy is based on:

Explanation

Metonymy works through association (e.g., “pen” for writing, “sword” for war).

Submit
4. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is metonymy because:

Explanation

The objects stand for related concepts: writing/ideas vs. physical force.

Submit
5. Metonymy replaces a word with another that has a close ________.

Explanation

The two words are linked by concept, not necessarily by sound.

Submit
6. Which line shows metonymy?

Explanation

“Suits” stands for businesspeople or executives.

Submit
7. Match each phrase to its meaning

Explanation

Each physical object is a stand-in for a related authority group.

Submit
8. Metonymy is often used in which type of writing?

Explanation

We often see metonymy in headlines and political commentary (e.g., “Wall Street,” “The Kremlin”).

Submit
9. Which phrase does NOT show metonymy?

Explanation

“Wheels” for a car is part–whole (synecdoche), not metonymy.

Submit
10. Metonymy helps create strong:

Explanation

It condenses big ideas into vivid symbols.

Submit
11. “The stage is nervous before opening night.” Here, “stage” represents:

Explanation

“Stage” stands for the whole world of the performers/production.

Submit
12. Which is the best example of metonymy in sports language?

Explanation

The city name stands for the city’s team.

Submit
13. “The press surrounded the courthouse.” “Press” refers to:

Explanation

“The press” is a synecdoche that uses the word for news publishing to represent journalists and media organizations, not the physical machines or the legal staff.

Submit
14. Which sentence is metonymy instead of literal?

Explanation

“The streets” stands for the people who live or act there.

Submit
15. Authors use metonymy primarily to:

Explanation

Metonymy replaces a longer or more complex idea with a closely related term (like “the crown” for royal authority), making language more symbolic, efficient, and meaningful.

Submit
×
Saved
Thank you for your feedback!
View My Results
Cancel
  • All
    All (15)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
What is metonymy?
Which sentence contains metonymy?
Metonymy is based on:
“The pen is mightier than the sword” is metonymy because:
Metonymy replaces a word with another that has a close ________.
Which line shows metonymy?
Match each phrase to its meaning
Metonymy is often used in which type of writing?
Which phrase does NOT show metonymy?
Metonymy helps create strong:
“The stage is nervous before opening night.” Here, “stage”...
Which is the best example of metonymy in sports language?
“The press surrounded the courthouse.” “Press” refers to:
Which sentence is metonymy instead of literal?
Authors use metonymy primarily to:
Alert!