Which literary device is used to imply a relationship by substituting the name of one thing with something closely related?

The correct answer is metonymy, which is a literary device that involves substituting the name of one thing with the name of something closely related to it. This technique allows writers to create associations that enhance meaning and convey ideas in a more impactful way. For example, saying "the White House issued a statement" uses "the White House" to represent the President or the administration, which helps to create a more vivid image in the reader's mind.

In contrast, simile is a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as," personification gives human characteristics to non-human entities, and allusion is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art. Each of these devices serves a different purpose in literature but does not specifically involve the substitution of one name for another related name in the way that metonymy does. Thus, understanding metonymy and its application can deepen one's appreciation for the nuances in language and literary expression.