metonimic

Metonimic is an adjective describing aspects of metonymy, a figure of speech in which a term is replaced by a name closely associated with what is being referred to. The term derives from Greek metōnymía, literally "change of name," from meta "change" and onoma "name."

In metonymic usage, the relationship is real-world and contiguously linked rather than a semantic likeness. The name of a related thing stands in for the thing itself. Common patterns include using a place to stand for an institution (the White House for the U.S. administration), a producer or brand for a product (Kleenex for tissues), a material for an object (steel for a sword), or an instrument for an action (write with a pen).

Metonimic usage is often contrasted with metaphor, where one concept is described as another without a direct relation, and with synecdoche, where a part stands for a whole or vice versa. In practice, metonymy and synecdoche frequently overlap and are treated as related figures of speech.

Metonimic expressions appear in literature, journalism, and everyday speech, helping to compress meaning and reference objects by association. Examples include "the Crown" for the monarchy, "the White House" for the president and administration, and "Hollywood" for the film industry.