What describes a comparison without using "like" or "as"?

A comparison that does not use "like" or "as" is known as a metaphor. This figure of speech establishes an implicit connection between two unrelated things, suggesting that one thing is another to highlight a particular quality or characteristic. For example, saying "time is a thief" creates a direct comparison between time and a thief without using any comparative words, suggesting that time can steal moments from our lives.

In contrast, a simile explicitly uses "like" or "as" to draw comparisons, such as in the phrase "as brave as a lion." Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate sounds, such as "buzz" or "clang," and hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, like "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why a metaphor stands out as the correct answer in describing a comparison that doesn't utilize "like" or "as."