Which type of figurative language compares two things without using "like" or "as"?

The correct choice, which identifies the type of figurative language that compares two things without using "like" or "as," is a metaphor. A metaphor asserts that one thing is another to illustrate a point or convey a deeper meaning. For example, saying "time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, emphasizing the passage of time in a more profound way than a literal statement could.

In contrast, a simile makes comparisons using "like" or "as," such as "as brave as a lion." Alliteration refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close succession, often used for poetic effect, like in "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, such as "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse," to emphasize a strong feeling or reaction. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why a metaphor is the correct answer for this question.