antiphrasis

/æntɪˈfræsɪs/

Definitions

1. noun

a figure of speech in which an expression is used with a meaning opposite of its literal meaning

“The politician’s words were an example of antiphrasis, as he claimed to be against the policy he actually supported.”

Synonyms

  • figure of speech
  • idiom
  • metaphor

Antonyms

  • literalism
  • straightforwardness