Which term refers to comparing two things without using "like" or "as"?

The correct term for comparing two things without using "like" or "as" is metaphor. A metaphor asserts that one thing is another, thereby highlighting a particular similarity between them in a more direct manner. For example, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, creating a vivid image in the mind.

Imagery, on the other hand, involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping readers visualize scenes or concepts, but it does not inherently imply a comparison between two different entities. Simile explicitly relies on "like" or "as" to make comparisons, while hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, rather than a direct comparison. Thus, metaphor stands out as the most accurate term for this type of comparison.