allegory

noun

ˈa-lə-ˌgȯr-ē How to pronounce allegory (audio)
Definition of allegorynext
as in parable
a story intended to teach a basic truth or moral about life Dr. Seuss's story "The Sneetches" is a telling allegory about tolerance for people's differences

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of allegory Is the morality fable at the end an allegory of purgatory or hell? — The Week Us, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026 Presented as an exhibition piece, the porch becomes an allegory for his origin story, a first runway and a place where fashion, storytelling and community convene. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026 This year, several projects moved away from a strictly realistic approach, embracing allegory, fantasy, the absurd and even myth. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 As with all Coppola films, the film’s allegory is rooted in a deeper sense of the history of power, capitalism, and the American experiment. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegory
  1. parable
  2. fable
  3. tale
Noun
  • In the background of a gut-wrenching new album from Teller Bank$, there’s a preacher who sees himself in the biblical parable of Noah’s ark.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a reason why political stories are often chosen as parables for moral compromise.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of parable
Noun
  • Using a fable-like tone, the film provides a fresh perspective on the G8 violence that became a watershed moment in the anti-globalization movement.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Ajon [Singh] talked a lot about that fable of the two wolves.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • Then on Wednesday morning, Luna reunited with her owners thanks to the efforts of local rescuers, tourists and park employees, capping a survival tale that required avoiding bears and coyotes while locating enough sustenance and shelter.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That level of control precluded a Vatican media operation from spinning tall tales as occurred during John Paul's reign.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of tale

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allegories
allegory
allegro
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Cite this Entry

“Allegory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegory. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on allegory

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about allegory

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