What is a Simile? Meaning, Definition, and 50+ Examples of Similes in English

What is a Simile? – Meaning and Definition

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two or more things that share a similar quality, using words such as ‘like’ or ‘as’. It helps make descriptions more vivid and expressive by drawing parallels between two different things.

Definitions from Various Dictionaries:
Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: A simile is “a word or phrase that compares something to something else, using the words like or as.”
Cambridge Dictionary: A simile is “an expression comparing one thing with another, always including the words as or like.”
Collins Dictionary: “A simile is an expression which describes a person or thing as being similar to someone or something else.”
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: A simile is “a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as.”

How to Use a Simile in a Sentence?

A simile is commonly used to compare two nouns with the help of the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. It creates a more engaging and descriptive image for the reader or listener by providing a clearer visualization of the quality being compared.

Example:

• As proud as a peacock
• As busy as a bee

In these examples, one noun is compared to another, using a word that is well known for a particular quality, helping to create a vivid mental image.

Similes can help:

• Make comparisons more relatable
• Provide clearer descriptions
• Add depth to the meaning

Examples of Similes Using ‘As’

1. As slow as a sloth

• As slow as a sloth
• As slow as a turtle
• As slow as a snail
• As slow as molasses
• As slow as a glacier
• As slow as a lazy river
• As slow as a creeping vine
• As slow as an old clock
• As slow as a Sunday morning
• As slow as a growing tree
• As slow as drying paint
• As slow as a sloth climbing a tree
• As slow as a sleepy cat
• As slow as a drifting cloud
• As slow as a tortoise in a race
• As slow as a moving shadow
• As slow as winter arriving
• As slow as a caterpillar crawling
• As slow as melting ice
• As slow as a bicycle uphill

Question:

1. Who is often described as slow in movement and compared to a sloth?
2. What simile would you use to describe a slow-moving vehicle?
3. If someone takes their time to complete a task, what simile fits best?
4. Which simile would you use for a lazy morning?
5. What simile compares slow speech to an animal?
6. How would you describe a slowly growing plant using a simile?
7. Which simile would describe waiting for something that feels like forever?
8. What simile would be best for someone walking slowly up a hill?
9. If a person is moving like a slow-moving shadow, which simile applies?
10. Which simile would you use for a process that takes a long time, like melting ice?

Answer:

1. A lazy person or someone who moves very slowly.
2. As slow as a snail.
3. As slow as molasses.
4. As slow as a Sunday morning.
5. As slow as a sloth.
6. As slow as a growing tree.
7. As slow as a glacier.
8. As slow as a tortoise in a race.
9. As slow as a creeping vine.
10. As slow as melting ice.

2. As busy as a bee

• As busy as a bee
• As busy as an ant
• As busy as a squirrel gathering nuts
• As busy as a chef in a kitchen
• As busy as a mother of five
• As busy as a construction worker
• As busy as a student before exams
• As busy as a bustling city
• As busy as a bee in spring
• As busy as a nurse in a hospital
• As busy as a postman during the holidays
• As busy as an office worker on a deadline
• As busy as a teacher grading papers
• As busy as a mechanic in a workshop
• As busy as a server during rush hour
• As busy as an airport on a holiday
• As busy as a shopkeeper before closing
• As busy as a team before a big match
• As busy as a factory on full production
• As busy as a computer processing data

Question:

1. What simile would you use for someone who is always working hard?
2. If you describe a nurse in a busy hospital, which simile would be appropriate?
3. What simile fits a student studying for exams?
4. How would you describe a mother with many tasks using a simile?
5. What simile would describe a chef during a dinner rush?
6. Which simile is best for someone constantly in motion, like a construction worker?
7. How would you describe an ant in relation to work using a simile?
8. What simile would you use for a shopkeeper during a busy sale?
9. If an airport is hectic, which simile would apply?
10. Which simile would best describe a writer under a deadline?

Answers:

1. As busy as a bee.
2. As busy as a nurse in a hospital.
3. As busy as a student before exams.
4. As busy as a mother of five.
5. As busy as a chef in a kitchen.
6. As busy as a construction worker.
7. As busy as an ant.
8. As busy as a shopkeeper during a busy sale.
9. As busy as an airport on a holiday.
10. As busy as a writer under a deadline.

3. As proud as a peacock

• As proud as a peacock
• As proud as a lion with its mane
• As proud as a king on his throne
• As proud as a knight after victory
• As proud as a child with a trophy
• As proud as a rooster in the morning
• As proud as a graduate on stage
• As proud as a dancer after a performance
• As proud as a bride on her wedding day
• As proud as a new parent
• As proud as a soldier in uniform
• As proud as an artist displaying their work
• As proud as a baker with a perfect cake
• As proud as a gardener with a blooming garden
• As proud as a marathon finisher
• As proud as a teacher seeing students succeed
• As proud as a captain with a win
• As proud as a singer after applause
• As proud as a chef with a well-cooked meal
• As proud as an athlete with a gold medal

Question:

1. What simile describes someone showing off their success?
2. How would you describe a graduate on their big day using a simile?
3. Which simile would fit a parent celebrating their child’s achievements?
4. What simile would you use to describe a king on his throne?
5. How would you describe a dancer after a great performance using a simile?
6. If someone is proud of their new car, which simile applies?
7. Which simile best fits an artist showing off their new painting?
8. How would you describe a lion showing off its mane using a simile?
9. What simile would you use for a newlywed couple feeling proud on their wedding day?
10. Which simile applies to a marathon runner at the finish line?

Answers:

1. As proud as a peacock.
2. As proud as a graduate on their big day.
3. As proud as a parent with a child’s success.
4. As proud as a king on his throne.
5. As proud as a dancer after a great performance.
6. As proud as a person with a new car.
7. As proud as an artist displaying their new painting.
8. As proud as a lion with its mane.
9. As proud as a bride and groom on their wedding day.
10. As proud as a marathon runner at the finish line.

4. As strong as an ox

• As strong as an ox
• As strong as an elephant
• As strong as a bear
• As strong as a bodybuilder
• As strong as a steel beam
• As strong as Hercules
• As strong as a mountain
• As strong as a fortress wall
• As strong as a wrestler
• As strong as a blacksmith’s hammer
• As strong as a weightlifter
• As strong as a giant oak tree
• As strong as an army tank
• As strong as a charging bull
• As strong as a roaring lion
• As strong as a marathon runner
• As strong as an ancient warrior
• As strong as the roots of a tree
• As strong as a tidal wave
• As strong as a thunderstorm

Question:

1. What simile would you use for someone with great physical strength?
2. How would you describe a weightlifter using a simile?
3. Which simile best fits someone who never gives up in tough situations?
4. What simile describes an athlete pushing through challenges?
5. Which simile would you use to describe a wrestler?
6. How would you describe a tree that stands strong against storms using a simile?
7. Which simile best fits someone who can lift heavy objects easily?
8. What simile describes a fortress that is hard to break through?
9. How would you describe a builder lifting a heavy beam using a simile?
10. Which simile applies to someone as resilient as a mountain?

Answers:

1. As strong as an ox.
2. As strong as a weightlifter.
3. As strong as a fortress wall.
4. As strong as an athlete pushing through challenges.
5. As strong as a wrestler.
6. As strong as a tree against storms.
7. As strong as an ox lifting heavy objects.
8. As strong as a fortress wall.
9. As strong as a builder lifting a heavy beam.
10. As strong as a mountain.

5. As fast as a cheetah

• As fast as a cheetah
• As fast as lightning
• As fast as a race car
• As fast as a jet plane
• As fast as a sprinter
• As fast as a shooting star
• As fast as a running deer
• As fast as a speeding bullet
• As fast as a flash of light
• As fast as an arrow
• As fast as a greyhound
• As fast as a motorcycle
• As fast as the wind
• As fast as a roller coaster
• As fast as a river current
• As fast as a racing cyclist
• As fast as a skier down a slope
• As fast as a wild horse
• As fast as a hawk in flight
• As fast as a storm rolling in

Question:

1. What simile describes someone who runs extremely fast?
2. Which simile fits an athlete who wins a sprinting competition?
3. How would you describe a car racing at full speed using a simile?
4. What simile would you use for a plane taking off quickly?
5. How would you describe lightning speed using a simile?
6. Which simile would describe a deer running away from danger?
7. What simile applies to a soccer player sprinting towards the goal?
8. How would you describe a greyhound racing using a simile?
9. What simile would you use for a skier speeding down a slope?
10. Which simile fits someone who finishes a race first?

Answers:

1. As fast as a cheetah.
2. As fast as a sprinter.
3. As fast as a race car.
4. As fast as a jet plane.
5. As fast as lightning.
6. As fast as a deer running away from danger.
7. As fast as a soccer player sprinting towards the goal.
8. As fast as a greyhound.
9. As fast as a skier speeding down a slope.
10. As fast as someone who finishes a race first.

Examples of Similes Using ‘Like’

1. Jumps like a frog

• Jumps like a frog
• Jumps like a kangaroo
• Jumps like a rabbit
• Jumps like a grasshopper
• Jumps like a basketball player
• Jumps like a gymnast
• Jumps like a cricket
• Jumps like a cat on a hot surface
• Jumps like a cheerleader
• Jumps like a fish out of water
• Jumps like a monkey from tree to tree
• Jumps like a dolphin through hoops
• Jumps like a flea
• Jumps like a mountain goat
• Jumps like an athlete over hurdles
• Jumps like a deer startled by noise
• Jumps like a diver into water
• Jumps like a horse over fences
• Jumps like a dancer leaping in air
• Jumps like a superhero saving the day

Question:

1. What simile would describe someone jumping up and down repeatedly?
2. How would you describe a kangaroo hopping across the field using a simile?
3. Which simile fits a basketball player leaping for a dunk?
4. What simile would you use to describe a gymnast’s jump?
5. How would you describe a cricket hopping across the grass using a simile?
6. What simile applies to a cat suddenly leaping off a chair?
7. How would you describe a frog jumping into a pond using a simile?
8. Which simile fits someone hopping from one foot to the other like a grasshopper?
9. What simile would you use for a mountain goat leaping between rocks?
10. Which simile describes a diver jumping into the pool?

Answers:

1. Jumps like a frog.
2. Jumps like a kangaroo.
3. Jumps like a basketball player.
4. Jumps like a gymnast.
5. Jumps like a cricket.
6. Jumps like a cat.
7. Jumps like a frog.
8. Jumps like a grasshopper.
9. Jumps like a mountain goat.
10. Jumps like a diver.

2. Runs like the wind

• Runs like the wind
• Runs like a cheetah
• Runs like a gazelle
• Runs like a marathoner
• Runs like a track star
• Runs like a deer through the forest
• Runs like a rabbit from danger
• Runs like a sprinter at the Olympics
• Runs like a horse in a race
• Runs like an athlete chasing the finish line
• Runs like a football player towards the goal
• Runs like a dog in the park
• Runs like a hare escaping a predator
• Runs like a cyclist in a triathlon
• Runs like a racecar zooming by
• Runs like a cheetah in full speed
• Runs like a wolf chasing its prey
• Runs like a trail runner up a hill
• Runs like a child playing tag
• Runs like a soccer player after the ball

Question:

1. What simile would describe someone running so fast they seem unstoppable?
2. How would you describe a sprinter in a race using a simile?
3. Which simile applies to a cheetah chasing its prey?
4. What simile would you use to describe a horse galloping at full speed?
5. How would you describe a marathon runner using a simile?
6. Which simile fits a dog running excitedly in the park?
7. What simile would describe a cyclist speeding downhill?
8. How would you describe a deer running through the forest using a simile?
9. Which simile fits a child running after a kite?
10. What simile would you use to describe a football player sprinting towards the end zone?

Answers:

1. Runs like the wind.
2. Runs like a sprinter.
3. Runs like a cheetah.
4. Runs like a horse.
5. Runs like a marathon runner.
6. Runs like a dog in the park.
7. Runs like a cyclist speeding downhill.
8. Runs like a deer in the forest.
9. Runs like a child chasing a kite.
10. Runs like a football player sprinting towards the end zone.

Identify the similes in the sentences below:

1. My love is like a red rose.

Ans:  Simile: “like a red rose”

2. My brother and I fight like cats and dogs all the time.

Ans:     Simile: “like cats and dogs”

3. Iniyan is always as busy as a bee.

Ans:     Simile: “as busy as a bee”

4. My cousin chatters like a monkey.

Ans:     Simile: “like a monkey”

5. Kitty is as proud as a peacock.

Ans:     Simile: “as proud as a peacock”

6. Sruthy works like a sloth.

Ans:     Simile: “like a sloth”

7. My dog, Shadow, eats like a pig after I take him for a walk.

Ans:     Simile: “like a pig”

8. Stephen slept like a baby after working for ten long hours.

Ans:     Simile: “like a baby”

9. My father has eyes like a hawk. He finds out even the minutest of things.

Ans:     Simile: “eyes like a hawk”

10. Bob is as cunning as a fox.

Ans:     Simile: “as cunning as a fox”