Which term describes an exaggerated statement that is not meant to be taken literally?

The term that describes an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally is hyperbole. Hyperbole is commonly used in both everyday language and literature to emphasize a point or to evoke strong feelings through exaggeration. For example, saying "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" is a hyperbolic expression, as it underscores the speaker's hunger without intending to be taken as a literal truth.

In contrast, a metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things directly, suggesting that one is the other, without using "like" or "as." Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words, and it is often used in poetry and prose for rhythm and to create a musical quality. An ironic statement conveys a meaning that is opposite to its literal meaning, often used for humor or sarcasm. None of these terms convey the same sense of exaggeration as hyperbole does.