Can you name the figure of speech that involves the repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences?

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The figure of speech involving repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences is epistrophe. It is also called epiphora or, in some contexts, antistrophe.

Epistrophe places repeated wording in a prominent final position, giving it emphasis and creating rhythm. For example: “We will work for justice, speak for justice, and stand for justice.” The repeated ending is the defining feature.

It is the counterpart of anaphora, which repeats words at the beginnings of successive clauses. Chiasmus instead reverses the order of words or grammatical elements, while antithesis sets contrasting ideas against each other.

Because repetition at the end receives strong emphasis, epistrophe is common in speeches, poetry, slogans, and other persuasive writing. The answer is therefore not chiasmus, the stored response, but epistrophe.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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