What literary device involves comparing two unlike things without using like or as?

The literary device that involves comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as" is a metaphor. A metaphor directly states that one thing is another, which allows for a more implicit comparison that can create a strong visual or conceptual connection between the two ideas. For example, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time, like a thief, can steal moments from our lives without using the comparative words "like" or "as." This approach can evoke deeper understanding and imagery in the reader's mind, showcasing a relationship between the two unlike entities in a more profound way than a simple description would.

In contrast, a simile, which is not the correct answer, does employ "like" or "as" to make a comparison. An analogy typically explains a relationship between two different things by focusing on their similarities, but it doesn’t qualify as a direct comparison like a metaphor does. Hyperbole, on the other hand, is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, serving a different purpose altogether in writing.