What term is used for figurative language that involves a direct comparison?

The correct term for figurative language that involves a direct comparison is metaphor. Unlike a simile, which uses "like" or "as" for comparison, a metaphor asserts that one thing is another, creating a more impactful and immediate connection. For example, if one says, "Time is a thief," they are not suggesting time literally steals but rather comparing the elusiveness and fleeting nature of time to the actions of a thief. This makes metaphors a powerful tool in literature for conveying deeper meanings and emotions without the reliance on comparative words.

Similes, while also a form of figurative language that makes comparisons, do so in a less direct way and are marked by the use of "like" or "as." Analogy, on the other hand, often explains or clarifies a concept by comparing it to something more familiar, which can be more complex than a simple comparison. Consonance refers to the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity, which does not pertain to the act of comparing at all. Thus, metaphor is the most accurate answer as it specifically describes a direct comparison that implies one thing is another.