140+ Examples of Similes: Definition, Comparisons, PDFs | Leverage Edu (2023)

Almost all of us have used a simile in our daily conversations. Consciously or otherwise, this is one of the most commonly used figures of speech that has become a part of our daily vocabulary. Knowing about different similes can be beneficial, especially for aspirants of competitive examinations such as the IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, etc. To help you understand what this literary device is and how it is used, this blog brings you a comprehensive guide on the definition and examples of simile, along with the ways it can be used in a sentence.

Definition of Simile

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things that have similar properties or characteristics. Similes are often confused with metaphors, which is another different figure of speech used for comparison. The easiest way to identify a simile as opposed to a metaphor is to look for the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. Thus, the best examples of similes include ‘as’ or ‘like’ such as “as proud as a peacock”.

Importance of Using a Simile

Similes are a powerful tool for making language more interesting, descriptive, and creative. Because the mind thinks in images and associations, similes can elicit stronger and more effective descriptions than adjectives or exact descriptions; they can activate linked emotions, generate new mental connections, and underline specific features. From common conversation to poetry, similes are almost required for creative expression.

How to Use a Simile in a Sentence?

A simile is generally used in a sentence to make comparisons between two or more nouns and this is done with the use of words such as ‘like’ or ‘as’. The general idea of using a simile with the word ‘as’ is by using a noun that is known for a particular quality. For example: as proud as a peacock, as busy as a bee and so on. A simile is a direct comparison of two like or unlike things. A simile helps your reader or listener visualise, understand and have a better conception of the quality of the nouns being compared. It makes it a lot more vivid and descriptive. In other words, it can be said that similes can be used to provide a mental image to your reader or listener.

100 Examples of Similes

Now that you are familiar with what simile means, we have compiled a comprehensive list of some of the popular examples of similes you must know about! Check out the following list of similes:

1. As black as coal
   Example: His face became as black as coal after being criticized.

2. As blind as a bat
   Example: My uncle is as blind as a bat without his spectacles.

3. As cool as a cucumber
   Example: While all of us were panicking just before the declaration of the results, Naina was as cool as a cucumber.

4. As brave as a lion
   Example: While fighting the war, the soldier was as brave as a lion.

5. Cunning like a fox
   Example: Don’t trust his words, he is cunning like a fox.

6. As cold as ice
   Example: The expression on her face was as cold as ice.

7. As busy as a bee
   Example: My wife is as busy as a bee in the mornings.

Like these examples of similes? Check out our blog on 50 Common Proverbs with Meaning and Examples!

8. As clean as a whistle
   Example: The maid has done a good job, and the hall is as clean as a whistle

9. As soft as velvet
   Example: I just love my new blanket, it is as soft as velvet!

10. As sharp as a razor
    Example: Despite being over 75 years of age, my grandmother’s mind is as sharp as a razor.

11. As white as snow
    Example: The clothes she wore were as white as snow.

12. As white as a ghost
    Example: Her face became as white as a ghost when she spotted the burglar in her house.

13. As fresh as a daisy
    Example: You still look as fresh as a daisy after finishing all the work!

14. As stiff as a board
    Example: I am sure that he is very nervous, he is standing as stiff as a board on the stage.

15. As proud as a peacock
    Example: She is as proud as a peacock after getting selected for the lead role in the drama.

16. As gentle as a lamb
    Example: My grandmother may seem scary to others, but she is as gentle as a lamb.

18. As bright as a button
    Example: She seems to be as bright as a button!

19. As strong as an ox
    Example: Although he has lost some weight, he is still as strong as an ox.

20. As hot as hell
    Example: How can you bear to go out in this weather? It is as hot as hell!

21. As tough as leather
    Example: My brother can help you in moving all this furniture, he is as tough as leather!

22. As bright as the moon
    Example: Her eyes shined as bright as the moon on receiving her birthday gift.

23. As thin as a rake
    Example: How can you eat so much and still be as thin as a rake?

24. As wise as an owl
    Example: This problem seems tough! You can only solve this if you are as wise as an owl!

Have fun with these examples of similes, and explore our exclusive blog on 50 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples!

25. As clear as crystal
    Example: She loved visiting the lake high up in the mountains, whose water was as clear as crystal.

26. As smooth as silk
    Example: Her voice is as smooth as silk.

27. As stubborn as a mule
    Example: It’s no use trying to change his mind, that man is as stubborn as a mule.

28. As silent as the grave
    Example: He knew something was wrong when he found his friends as silent as the grave.

29. As light as a feather
    Example: This shawl is made from very fine material, it’s as light as a feather!

30. As old as the hills
    Example: Her grandmother’s love story was as old as the hills.

31. As straight as an arrow
    Example: You can trust him, he is as straight as an arrow.

Similes in Everyday Language

You can use similes in everyday language and that makes you look as smart as a fox! You saw what we did there? Now let’s see all the similes that you can use in your everyday life.

31. As innocent as a lamb
32. As tough as nails
33. As shiny as a new pin
34. As hot as hell
35. As white as a ghost
36. As bright as a button
37. As cool as a cucumber
38. As cold as ice
39. As light as a feather
40. As sweet as sugar
41. As blind as a bat
42. As common as dirt
43. As tall as a giraffe
44. As hard as nails
45. As cute as a kitten
46. As bold as brass
47. As happy as a clam
48. As black as coal
49. As American as apple pie.
50. As big as an elephant.
51. As black as coal.
52. As blind as a bat.
53. As boring as watching paint dry.
54. As brave as a lion.
55. As busy as a bee.
56. As cold as ice
57. As cool as a cucumber
58. As cunning as a fox
59. As dead as a doornail
60. As deaf as a post
61. As difficult as nailing jelly to a tree
62. As dry as a bone
63. As dull as dishwater
64. As easy as ABC
65. As old as the hills
66. As pale as death
67. As for fit as a fiddle
68. As flat as a pancake
69. As free as a bird
70. As fresh as a daisy
71. As gentle as a lamb
72. As good as gold
73. As hard as nails
74. As heavy as lead
75. As helpless as a baby
76. As honest as the day is long
77. As hot as blue blazes
78. As hungry as a bear
79. As cheap as dirt.
80. As clean as a whistle.
81. As clear as mud.
82. As clear as crystal.

Similes in Classic Literature

Literature has some of the best usages of similes. From Virginia Woolf to Shakespeare, every famous writer and poet has used similes to accessorize their literature. Let’s check out some of the best examples of similes in Classic Literature:

83. “Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn.”- Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

84. f reach.” — Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
85. “Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.”- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
86. “The water made a sound like kittens lapping.” — The Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
87. “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
88. Or fester like a sore— And then run?”— Harlem by Langston Hughes

Similes in Song Lyrics

Many song lyrics have used similes in their lyrics to enhance them. Let’s check them out:

89. “Hit me like a ray of sun, Burning through my darkest night”- Halo by Beyonce
90. “Questions of science, science, and progress
91. Do not speak as loud as my heart”- The Scientist by Coldplay
92. “Shine bright like a diamond
93. Find light in the beautiful sea
94. I choose to be happy”- Diamonds by Rihanna
95. “If all it’s gonna cause is pain
96. Truth and my lies right now are falling like the rain
97. So let the river run”- River by Eminem
98. “I see both sides like Chanel
99. See on both sides like Chanel”- Chanel by Frank Ocean
100. ” Body Like a Back Road” By Sam Hunt

Similes in Advertising Slogans

Similes have often been utilized in popular advertisements and memorable brand slogans. Take a look at a couple of old favourites.

101. State Farm Insurance – “Like a good neighbour”
102. Doritos Snack Chips – “Taste like awesome feels”
103. Chevrolet Trucks – “Like a rock”
104. Honda Cars – “The Honda’s ride is as smooth as a gazelle in the Sahara. Its comfort is like a hug from Nana.”
105. Almonds Joy/Mounds Candy – “Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.”

The questions where one has to identify whether the given sentence is a simile or a metaphor are the trickiest. Thus, while understanding or going through the examples of similes, it is important to understand the difference between similes and metaphors. The latest understanding of the difference between the two-

Venue comparison is made using connecting words such as ‘like’ or ‘as’ the sentence refers to a simile. Whereas, whenever a direct relationship is established between two things, the sentence is a metaphor in nature.

For Example:

• He seemed bright like the sun when I met him last.
• He is the son and the sun of the family.

The first sentence depicts the use of simile whereas the second one is a metaphor.

Metaphors are considered to be stronger because they directly cite a comparison between things rather than just indicating that they are similar. On the other hand, similes are majorly used for comparison where the readers are assisted to understand a subtle connection between things.

Similes in Writing

Similes are a terrific way to spice up regular writing by conjuring up a vivid image with only a few words. Consider the following sentences:

• Adam walked across the room with purpose.
• Adam moved across the room like a warship sailing into battle.

The first sentence is fairly uninteresting. The comparison in the second phase, on the other hand, allows the reader to imagine an old-fashioned vessel heading to battle: majestic, resolute, proud, and maybe dangerous. It portrays Adam as a commanding figure and suggests that once he gets to the other side of the room, he’ll be plotting something major.

Similes and Exaggeration

Hyperbole, or exaggeration, is frequently used in similes. Example:

• You are as sweet as honey.
• You dance like an angel

Similes concentrate on a single component of a comparison, preventing hyperbolic comments from sounding exaggerated. Consider the following sentences:

• Lora is a mean snake.
• Lora is as mean as a snake.

The first version is a metaphor, but it’s so straightforward that it comes across as sloppy or infantile. The second version, a simile, stresses the trait Lora has in common with a snake, namely, meanness. A figurative language is a great approach to spice up your writing by adding intrigue and images. So, the next time you’re having trouble coming up with the proper words for a description, consider using a simile that’s as flawless as a diamond.

Examples of Similes for Kids

106. As boring as watching paint dry
107. As busy as a bee
108. As clean as a whistle
109. As cool as a cucumber
110. As cunning as a fox
111. As dead as a doornail
112. As deaf as a post
113. As difficult as nailing jelly to a tree
114. As dry as a bone
115. As dull as dishwater
116. As easy as ABC
117. As sick as a dog
118. As silent as the grave
119. As slippery as an eel
120. As slow as molasses
121. As smooth as a baby’s bottom
122. As snug as a bug in a rug
123. As solid as the ground we stand on
124. As sour as vinegar
125. As stiff as a board
126. As straight as an arrow
127. The breeze was gentle like a butterfly.
128. She danced lightly, like a fluttering butterfly.
129. You are as pale as a white sheet.
130. Your hands are as cold as the Arctic.
131. His mind is like an encyclopedia.
132. It was as light as a penny.
133. He soared like an eagle.
134. It was damp like dew in the morning.
135. He was as lost as a sheep.
136. She worked as hard as an ant gathering his harvest.
137. She was as prickly as a cactus.
138. The puppy wagged his tail like a toddler who just got a lollipop.
139. The children were as happy as a hog with fresh mud.
140. The burglar looked as sketchy as jelly with green fuzz on top.
141. As American as apple pie
142. As black as coal
143. Her teeth were as white as pearls.
144. She moved as gracefully as a prima ballerina.
145. They ran around, going this way and that, like leaves on a blustery day.

Examples of Similes Using “As”

The below-mentioned examples of similes all follow the “as___as” format:

146. She was as sly as a fox
147. That knife is as sharp as a razor
148. He’s as sick as a dog
149. It was as big as an elephant
150. He is as bright as a button
151. She’s as cold as ice
152. It’s as tough as an old boot
153. He’s as good as gold
154. It’s as dry as a bone out there
155. The car is as clean as a whistle

Examples of Similes Using “Like”

Written under are the examples of similes using the “__like__” format:

156. She eats like a pig
157. She ran like lightning
158. He looks like a fish out of water
159. She slept like a log
160. It was soft like velvet
161. Life is like a box of chocolates
162. It leaked like a sieve
163. It cuts like butter
164. The aeroplane soared like an eagle
165. The shark had teeth like razors

Read more about the

Simile Quiz

1. Jesse is as sly as a

A. snake

B. fly

C. fox

D. elephant

2. My grandmother is as sweet as

A. vinegar

B. potatoes

C. a carrot

D. strawberry jam

3. That sidewalk is as slippery as

A. a pancake

B. glass

C. sand

D. bark

4. When school let out for the summer, I felt as free as a

A. bird

B. prisoner

C. dollar

D. bicycle

5. That fence is as solid as

A. a pillow

B. a rock

C. fog

D. an open window

6. Amber can run as fast as

A. the wind

B. an elephant

C. a turtle

D. a snowstorm

7. The road went off into the distance as straight as

A. a bowling ball

B. a cyclone

C. a figure-eight

D. an arrow

8. My mouth was as dry as

A. an ice cube

B. a shower

C. dust

D. a river

9. The night was as black as

A. snow

B. a sunset

C. coal

D. a flower

10. My grandfather’s mind is still as sharp as

A. an eraser

B. a dull knife

C. a tack

D. a pillow

Answer

1. C
2. D
3. B
4. A
5. B
6. D
7. D
8. C
9. C
10. C

Simile QuizPDF

Simile Worksheets

Both a metaphor and a simile compare two different things. The key distinction between the two is that a metaphor compares two things directly, but a simile uses the terms “like” or “as.”

Simile: She is as kind as an angel.

Metaphor: She is an angel.

Simile: Love is like a battlefield.

Metaphor: Love is a battlefield.

How Do We Use Similes in Language?

As we have previously learned, similes are comparison phrases that highlight similarities between two items and draw comparisons between them, always utilizing the terms “like” or “as.” We now want to know how to employ similes in writing, particularly in creative genres, and for what purposes they are valuable.

The main goal of employing similes in our writing is to enhance and produce striking images. Teachers and parents may teach students how to utilize similes using a variety of simple and efficient methods.

Here are some pointers for using similes in the classroom:

• Elementary pupils may learn about similes through poetry. This is an effective method to get people to utilize similes in their work.
• Show a scene from a narrative to your pupils. Ask them to point out a characteristic in the image that they can describe by making a comparison. If a youngster selects a picture of the moon, for instance, they can use similes such, as “The moon was like a face, currency, or plate.”
• Use an exercise like our Sorting Worksheet or Mystery Simile Animals for lessons on these literary forms to practice differentiating similes from metaphors.
• You might find it interesting to study the at least 1300-year-old Kenning figurative language in poetry or to look at some well-known simile poems. Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Robert Burns A Red, Red Rose, and Emily Dickinson’s “Hope” is a creature with feathers all include several similes and metaphors.

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