Simile: A Crash Course in Figurative Language

We remember our teacher discussing the figure of speeches while teaching poems in our school days. A simile is one of them. What is a simile? What makes it different from a metaphor? Read to know more about the usage of literary device simile and detailed examples.

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Definition of Simile

We can define a simile as a figure of speech or expression which compares different things using the words ‘like’ and ‘as’. It is almost like suggesting that these unlike things have a similar quality. It is different from a comparison in that the objects are very unlike each other. In the case of ‘He talks like his father.’ it is a comparison. But in ‘My love is like a red rose.’ it is a simile.

Examples of Similes Using the Word “Like”

Examples of common similes using the word “like” are given below.

• My friend swims like a fish.
• He ran like the wind in the race.
• The project idea went over like a lead balloon.
• Those siblings fight like cats and dogs.
• The new gown fits like a glove.
• She was denied the promotion even after working like a dog till the end of that project.
• Teenagers took to the new dirt bike like a moth to the flame.
• The news of the robbery hit the shop owner like a tonne of bricks.
• The sound of the new machinery was aggravating like nails on a chalkboard.
• The plotline of the book was like a rollercoaster.
• My choir student sings like a bird.
• The new deputy has eyes like a hawk.
• I was so tired that I slept like a baby yesterday.
• The traffic was moving like a snail.
• The security guard slept like a log after her shift.
• The people in the dining hall ate like pigs.
• My roommate is like a night owl.

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Examples of Similes Using the Word “As”

A few simple examples using the word “as” are given below.

• Once the project begins, she will be as busy as a bee.
• The toddler was as happy as a clam at the playground.
• Her puppy was as cute as a button.
• The road worker was as thin as a rail.
• Her knowledge of the subject is as deep as the ocean.
• Those couples were as different as day and night.
• The field was as dry as a desert.
• He turned as white as a sheet on seeing the marks on his paper.
• The baby was snug as a bug in the rug in her swaddle.
• The ranger was as brave as a lion.
• My new neighbour is as nutty as a fruitcake.
• He was as proud as a peacock.
• The water was as clear as crystal.
• The culprit was as cool as a cucumber while answering the cop’s questions
• Her hands were as cold as ice.
• She was as innocent as a lamb.
• The old professor is as blind as a bat.
• Their demands were as bold as brass.
• The bag was as light as feathers.
• The new intern is as cunning as a fox.
• She was as sharp as a razor.
• The stories told by old peter are old as hills.
• The new player is as strong as an ox.

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Uses of Simile

A simile is a language tool of great importance. As we discussed above, a simile is a way to make a direct comparison between two dissimilar objects. This is to bring attention to a particular quality of that noun. It helps the readers to visualize a concept and understand it more effectively. The picture a simile can create in the mind is more vivid and descriptive. This makes the writing more creative and entertaining. The images and associations provide a distinct clarity and voice to any descriptions.  From all these, we can say that similes are mandatory in daily speech and artistic expressions like prose and poetry.

Simile Vs Metaphor

Both simile and metaphor have the purpose of comparing two, unlike things. But the difference lies in the part they are used very differently. In the case of metaphor, the comparison is direct. For example

The new manager is a fox.

Here the first noun is considered equal to the second noun. The statement insinuates the manager himself is a fox. Since this cannot be literal, a better explanation is needed. In the case of metaphor, the comparison is implied rather than implicitly stated. Here they are equating the person with an animal or object that embodies a particular quality or trait of the person so that a vivid association forms in the listener or reader’s mind. Here the manager is not like a fox. He is the fox as he possesses the quality of cunningness in his personality.

But in the case of simile, the words “like” and “as” are used for comparison of two things. The same statement given above can be expressed using similes differently.  As in:

The new manager is as cunning as a fox

Or

The new manager is like a cunning fox.

In short, we can say that simile makes the comparison by saying something is like something while metaphor makes the comparison by saying something is something. But since it’s direct, a metaphor is considered a stronger comparison while a simile is a suggestion. A few simile and metaphor examples are listed below.

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In conclusion, a simile is used to create a comparison between two things that are very different from each other. This is done to create an image or symbol or emotion regarding the thing you are trying to describe.

Simile Uses and Examples FAQ

1. What is a simile?

A simile is defined as a figure of speech used for comparison between two unlike objects using the word “as” and “like”.

2. What are the words used for comparison in simile?

“As” and “like”

3. Give an example of a simile using “as”?

The surface was as smooth as butter.

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