Which term refers to a writing style that includes exaggeration for emphasis or effect?

The term that refers to a writing style that includes exaggeration for emphasis or effect is hyperbole. This figure of speech is used to create a strong impression or to emphasize a point by overstating it, often in a humorous or dramatic way. For example, saying "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" is a hyperbolic expression that highlights how very hungry someone feels without intending to convey a literal meaning.

In contrast, metonymy involves substituting the name of one thing with the name of something else closely associated with it. Simile makes comparisons using "like" or "as," allowing for more subtle expressions than hyperbole. Personification attributes human characteristics to non-human entities, which helps to create vivid imagery but does not involve exaggeration for effect in the same way that hyperbole does. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how different literary devices function within writing.