1. the substitution of an epithet or title for a proper name, or the use of a proper name to express a general idea
Usage: rhetoric; literary

Examples

• Calling Shakespeare ‘the Bard’ is an example of antonomasia.
• The phrase ‘a Napoleon of finance’ uses antonomasia to describe a powerful businessman.
• When we say ‘the Iron Lady’ to refer to Margaret Thatcher, we’re using antonomasia.
• Antonomasia appears when someone calls a traitor ‘a Benedict Arnold.’
• The rhetorical device of antonomasia helps writers create memorable epithets.
• Students of literature learn to identify antonomasia in classical texts.