What is a slant rhyme?

A slant rhyme, also known as a half rhyme, near rhyme, or oblique rhyme, is a type of rhyme that creates a partial, rather than a complete, correspondence between words. It involves using words with similar but not identical sounds, typically at the end of a line of poetry or song lyrics. Unlike perfect rhymes, which require identical vowel and consonant sounds, slant rhymes use words with similar sounds, such as assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) or consonance (repetition of consonant sounds) to create a subtle and sophisticated rhyme scheme.

Slant rhymes can add complexity and variety to a piece of writing, and are often used in poetry and song lyrics to create a unique and memorable sound. They can suggest connections between ideas or images, create a sense of tension or surprise, or simply add an element of surprise to the poem. Examples of slant rhymes include "moon" and "noon", "love" and "move", or "listen" and "glisten". Some poets, like Emily Dickinson, use slant rhymes extensively in their work, while others use them sparingly for emphasis or effect. Overall, slant rhymes are a powerful tool for poets and songwriters, allowing them to create rich, complex, and memorable works of art.