Definitions

1. noun

The substitution of a proper name for a common one, often to create a vivid or evocative effect.

“The poet used antonomasia to refer to the city as ‘The City of Lights’.”

2. noun

A figure of speech in which a name is used to describe a quality, characteristic, or concept.

“The politician’s reputation for honesty is an example of antonomasia.”

3. noun

A rhetorical device in which a person is referred to by a descriptive phrase rather than their actual name.

“The teacher’s use of ‘The Bard of Avon’ to refer to Shakespeare is an example of antonomasia.”