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What is a Simile?

A simile is a literary device that makes a comparison between two or more things that have some resemblance. It uses words such as 'like' or 'as' to establish the comparison. Oxford Learner's Dictionary defines simile as "a word or phrase that compares something to something else, using the words like or as."

Watch this Video to Understand Similes

Similes are useful in making language more appealing, descriptive, and imaginative. As the human mind processes information through associations and images, similes can evoke more powerful and effective descriptions than simple adjectives or literal explanations. Similes can trigger linked emotions, generate new associations and emphasize specific characteristics. They are widely used in various forms of creative expression, from casual communication to poetry, which makes learning similes important to ace the reading section in IELTS. Search for the IELTS sample papers online that would equip you with the knowledge regarding the various IELTS sections.

Difference Between Simile and Metaphor

Identifying whether a sentence is a simile or metaphor can be challenging. The current understanding of the difference is that a simile is a comparison using connecting words such as "like" or "as", while a metaphor establishes a direct relationship between two things. Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of the distinction between the two when studying examples of similes. This helps you perform well in the TOEFL exam with preparation tips.

List of Similes using “As”

• "As clear as crystal" - This simile is used to describe something that is very transparent and easy to see through.
• "As white as snow" - This simile is used to describe something very white in color, usually referring to a pure or unsullied state.
• "As black as coal" - This simile is used to describe something very dark in color, often used to describe something gloomy or sinister.
• "As cold as ice" - This simile is used to describe something very cold, often used to describe a lack of warmth or emotion.
• "As hot as fire" - This simile is used to describe something very hot, often used to describe a high level of intensity or passion.
• "As dry as a desert" - This simile is used to describe something that is completely dry, often used to describe a lack of moisture or life.
• "As sweet as honey" - This simile is used to describe something very sweet, often used to describe a pleasant taste or personality.

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• "As sharp as a knife" - This simile is used to describe something very sharp or acute, often used to describe a keen mind or an object with a sharp edge.
• "As strong as an ox" - This simile is used to describe someone who is very physically strong, and often used to describe someone who can handle a lot of work or heavy lifting.
• "As light as a feather" - This simile is used to describe something very light in weight, often used to describe something easy to carry or lift.
• "As big as a house" - This simile is used to describe something very large, often used to describe something impressive or grand in size.
• "As quick as a fox" - This simile is used to describe someone very quick or clever, often used to describe someone who can outsmart others.
• "As slow as a snail" - This simile is used to describe something very slow, often used to describe a lack of speed or efficiency.
• "As quiet as a mouse" - This simile is used to describe something very quiet, often used to describe a lack of noise or disturbance.
• "As loud as thunder" - This simile is used to describe something very loud, often used to describe a loud sound or noise.
• As busy as a bee" - This simile is used to describe someone very busy, and often used to describe someone who is always working or active.
• "As proud as a peacock" - This simile is used to describe someone very proud or vain, often used to describe someone who likes to show off.
• "As brave as a lion" - This simile is used to describe someone very brave, often used to describe someone who is not afraid to face danger.

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• "As happy as a lark" - This simile is used to describe someone very happy, often used to describe someone cheerful and joyful.
• "As mad as a hatter" - This simile is used to describe someone who is very mad or crazy, often used to describe someone who is behaving in a wild or irrational way.
• "As smooth as silk" - This simile is used to describe something very smooth, often used to describe a pleasing texture or surface.
• "As rough as sandpaper" - This simile is used to describe something very rough or abrasive, often used to describe a harsh texture or surface.
• "As tough as nails" - This simile is used to describe something or someone very strong and durable often used to describe someone who can handle difficult situations or conditions.
• "As delicate as a flower" - This simile is used to describe something very fragile or delicate, often used to describe something that is easily damaged or broken.
• "As hard as a rock" - This simile is used to describe something very hard or solid, often used to describe something difficult to break or change.
• "As flexible as a rubber band" - This simile is used to describe something very flexible or adaptable, often used to describe someone who can adjust to different situations or conditions.
• "As stubborn as a mule" - This simile is used to describe someone very stubborn or difficult to change, often used to describe someone unwilling to change their opinion or behavior.
• "As slippery as an eel" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is very slippery or difficult to hold onto, often used to describe someone difficult to catch or pin down.
• "As tricky as a fox" - This simile is used to describe someone very clever or cunning, often used to describe someone who can outsmart others.
• "As plain as day" - This simile is used to describe something very obvious, often used to describe something easy to see or understand.
• "As exciting as a roller coaster" - This simile is used to describe something very exciting or thrilling, often used to describe something full of action or adventure.
• "As heavy as lead" - This simile is used to describe something very heavy, often used to describe something difficult to lift or move.
• "As light as a feather" - This simile is used to describe something very light in weight, often used to describe something easy to carry or lift.
• "As old as the hills" - This simile is used to describe something ancient, often used to describe something that has been around for a long time.

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• "As new as a penny" - This simile is used to describe something very new or recently made, often used to describe something fresh or in good condition.
• "As fresh as a daisy" - This simile is used to describe something very fresh or new, often used to describe something that is in good condition or full of life.
• "As stale as old bread" - This simile is used to describe something that is very stale or old, often used to describe something that is no longer fresh or desirable.
• "As tight as a drum" - This simile is used to describe something very tight or secure, often used to describe something that is firmly or tightly closed.
• "As loose as a goose" - This simile is used to describe something very loose or relaxed, often used to describe something that is not tightly closed or secure.
• "As fast as a cheetah" - This simile is used to describe something very fast, often used to describe something that can move quickly or efficiently.
• "As slow as a turtle" - This simile is used to describe something very slow, often used to describe a lack of speed or efficiency.
• "As sweet as candy" - This simile is used to describe something very sweet, often used to describe a pleasant taste or flavor.
• "As sour as a lemon" - This simile is used to describe something very sour, often used to describe a sharp or acidic taste.
• "As bitter as medicine" - This simile is used to describe something very bitter, often used to describe an unpleasant or harsh taste.
• "As spicy as chili" - This simile is used to describe something very spicy, often used to describe a hot or strong flavor.
• "As dull as a butter knife" - This simile is used to describe something very dull or uninteresting, often used to describe a lack of sharpness or edge.
• "As bright as a star" - This simile is used to describe something very bright or shining, often used to describe a high level of light or radiance.
• "As soft as a pillow" - This simile is used to describe something very soft or comfortable, often used to describe a pleasing texture or surface.
• "As blind as a bat" - This simile is used to describe someone who is very blind, often used to describe a lack of sight or visual acuity.
• "As deaf as a post" - This simile is used to describe someone who is very deaf, often used to describe a lack of hearing or auditory acuity.
• "As green as grass" - This simile is used to describe something very green, often used to describe a lush or verdant color.
• "As red as a tomato" - This simile is used to describe something very red, often used to describe a strong or vibrant color.
• "As yellow as a lemon" - This simile is used to describe something that is very yellow, often used to describe a bright or sunny color.

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• "As orange as a pumpkin" - This simile is used to describe something that is very orange, often used to describe a warm or autumnal color.
• "As blue as the sky" - This simile is used to describe something very blue, often used to describe a clear or serene color.
• "As purple as a plum" - This simile is used to describe something that is very purple, often used to describe a rich or regal color.
• "As brown as a bear" - This simile is used to describe something that is very brown, often used to describe a natural or earthy color.
• "As gray as ash" - This simile is used to describe something that is very gray, often used to describe a dull or somber color.
• "As skinny as a toothpick" - This simile is used to describe someone or something very thin or lean, often used to describe a lack of weight or size.
• "As plump as a pumpkin" - This simile is used to describe someone or something that is very plump or round, often used to describe a full or healthy appearance.
• "As round as a ball" - This simile is used to describe something that is very round or circular, often used to describe a shape without any angles or corners.
• "As square as a box" - This simile is used to describe something that is very square or rectangular, often used to describe a shape with right angles or straight edges.
• "As straight as an arrow" - This simile is used to describe something very straight or aligned, often used to describe a line or shape that is free from curvature or deviation.
• "As bent as a paperclip" - This simile is used to describe something that is very bent or twisted, often used to describe a shape or object that is misshapen or deformed.
• "As curly as a pig's tail" - This simile is used to describe something that is very curly or wavy, often used to describe hair or fur that is tightly coiled or spiraled.
• "As wavy as the ocean" - This simile is used to describe something that is very wavy or undulating, often used to describe a movement or surface that is characterized by smooth, flowing lines.
• "As dry as a bone" - This simile is used to describe something very dry or lacking in moisture, often used to describe a state of extreme aridity or parchedness.
• "As wet as a sponge" - This simile is used to describe something very wet or soaked, often used to describe a state of being saturated or drenched.
• "As dirty as a pigsty" - This simile is used to describe something very dirty or unclean, often used to describe a state of extreme filth or squalor.
• "As clean as a whistle" - This simile is used to describe something very clean or pure, often used to describe a state of being free from dirt or impurities.
• "As empty as a ghost town" - This simile is used to describe something that is very empty or deserted, often used to describe a place or area that is devoid of life or activity.
• "As full as a tick" - This simile is used to describe something packed, often used to describe a state of being completely
• "As warm as a summer day" - This simile is used to describe something very warm or hot, often used to describe a pleasant or comfortable temperature.
• "As cold as a winter night" - This simile is used to describe something very cold or chilly, often used to describe a harsh or uncomfortable temperature.

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• "As old as time" - This simile is used to describe something ancient, often used to describe something that has existed for a very long time.
• "As young as spring" - This simile is used to describe something very young or new, often used to describe something fresh, vibrant, and full of life.
• "As stale as old coffee" - This simile is used to describe something that is very stale or old, often used to describe something that is no longer fresh or desirable.
• "As fresh as a mint" - This simile is used to describe something very fresh or new, often used to describe something that is in good condition or full of life.
• "As light as a breeze" - This simile is used to describe something very light or weightless, often used to describe something easy to carry or move.
• "As heavy as a ton of bricks" - This simile is used to describe something weighty, often used to describe something difficult to lift or move.
• "As free as a bird" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is unrestricted, often used to describe a state of being liberated or unencumbered.
• "As trapped as a caged animal" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is very trapped or confined, often used to describe a state of being confined or restricted.
• "As rich as a king" - This simile is used to describe someone or so wealthy, often used to describe a state of abundance or prosperity.

• "As poor as a pauper" - This simile is used to describe someone destitute, often used to describe a state of scarcity or hardship.
• "As wise as an owl" - This simile is used to describe who is very wise or intelligent, often used to describe someone as able to make good decisions or offer sound advice.
• "As foolish as a goose" - This simile is used to describe someone who is very foolish or unwise, often used to someone unable to make good decisions or offer sound advice.
• "As calm as a millpond" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is very calm or peaceful, often used to describe a state of tranquility or serenity.
• "As wild as a storm" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is very wild or chaotic, often used to describe a state of upheaval or disorder.
• "As plain as a pikestaff" - This simile is used to something very plain or simple, often used to something easy to understand or see.
• "As complex as a puzzle" - This simile is used to be something very complex or intricate, often used to be something difficult to understand or solve.
• "As steady as a rock" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is very steady or reliable, often used to describe a state of dependability or consistency.
• "As unsteady as a boat on the waves" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is very unsteady or uncertain often used to describe a state of insecurity or instability.
• "As loyal as a dog" - This simile describes someone very loyal or faithful, and is oft to describe someone dependable and supportive.
• "As fickle as the weather" - This simile is used to describe someone or something that is very fickle or unpredictable, often used to describe a state of being difficult to predict or rely on.
• "As beautiful as a rose" - This simile is used to describe something very beautiful, or to describe something visually pleasing or attractive.
• "As ugly as sin" - This simile is used to describe something that is very ugly or unattractive and is often used to describe something that is visually unpleasing or offensive.

How to Use a Simile in a Sentence?

Similes are typically used in sentences to make comparisons between two or more nouns, using words such as "like" or "as." This is done by using a noun known for a certain quality, such as "as proud as a peacock" or "as busy as a bee." A simile is a direct comparison of two similar or dissimilar things, and it helps the reader or listener to visualize, understand, and better understand the quality of the nouns being compared. It makes the description more vivid and helps to create a mental image for the reader or listener. Using similes in sentences while speaking and writing will help you in your training for the PTE exam. For a better guidance, you can also approach any PTE coaching centers nearby. This can aid in improving the language proficiency as well.

Similes using ‘like’

• "Sing like an angel" - This simile is used to describe someone who sings very well, often used to describe a beautiful or heavenly singing voice.
• "Act like an animal" - This simile is used to describe someone who behaves in a wild or uncontrolled manner, often used to describe a lack of self-control or rationality.
• "Eat like a bird" - This simile is used to describe someone who eats very little or in small amounts, often used to describe a small or picky appetite.
• "Fight like cats and dogs" - This simile is used to describe a very intense or violent fight, often used to describe a state of hostility or animosity between two parties.
• "Work like a dog" - This simile is used to describe someone who works very hard or diligently, often used to describe a strong work ethic or dedication.
• "Work like a dream" - This simile is used to describe something that works very well or efficiently, often used to describe a state of ease or smoothness in operation.
• "Soar like an eagle" - This simile is used to describe something that moves or rises with great speed or power, often used to describe a sense of freedom or majesty.
• "Sound like fingernails on a chalkboard" - This simile is used to describe something that sounds very unpleasant or grating, often used to describe a harsh or discordant sound.
• "Swim like a fish" - This simile is used to describe someone who swims very well or smoothly, often used to describe a natural or effortless swimming ability.
• "Race like a scared bunny" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that moves or runs very quickly or frantically often used to describe a state of fear or urgency.
• "Have eyes like a hawk" - This simile is used to describe someone who has very good eyesight or vision, often used to describe a keen or sharp sense of sight.
• "Eat like a horse" - This simile is used to describe someone who eats very much or in large amounts, often used to describe a large or hearty appetite.
• "Sleep like a log" - This simile is used to describe someone who sleeps very soundly or deeply, often used to describe a state of heavy or restful sleep.
• "Gravitate like a moth to the flame" - This simile is used to describe someone or something that is irresistibly drawn to something, often used to describe a state of attraction or compulsion.
• "Eat like a pig" - This simile is used to describe someone who eats very messily or voraciously, often used to describe a lack of manners or restraint when eating.
• "Smell like a rose" - This simile is used to describe something that smells very pleasant or sweet, often used to describe a fragrant or pleasant aroma.

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• "Sound like a screaming baby" - This simile is used to describe something that sounds very loud or high-pitched, often used to describe a sound that is difficult to ignore or endure.
• "Shine like the stars" - This simile is used to describe something that shines very brightly or beautifully, often used to describe a radiant or sparkling appearance.
• "Meander like a stream" - This simile is used to describe something that moves or flows in a leisurely or winding manner, often used to describe a state of laziness or aimlessness.
• "Explode like a volcano" - This simile is used to describe something that erupts or bursts with great force or energy, often used to describe a state of sudden and intense activity.
• "Shine like diamonds" - This simile is used to describe something that shines very brightly or brilliantly, often used to describe a sparkling or radiant appearance.
• "Slept like a baby" - This simile is used to describe someone who sleeps very soundly or peacefully, often used to describe a state of deep and restful sleep.
• "Drools like a St. Bernard" - This simile is used to describe someone who drools excessively or uncontrollably, often used to describe a lack of control or restraint.
• "Sweet like sugar" - This simile is used to describe something very sweet or pleasing, often used to describe a taste or flavor that is enjoyable or satisfying.
• "Leaked like a sieve" - This simile is used to describe something that leaks or allows liquid to pass through easily, often used to describe a lack of durability or reliability.
• "Strong like a raging bull" - This simile is used to describe someone or something very strong, often used to describe a state of great energy or force.
• "Soft like a lamb" - This simile is used to describe something or someone that is very soft or gentle, often used to describe a state of tenderness or delicacy.
• "Flutter like a hummingbird" - This simile is used to describe something that moves or flies quickly and gracefully, often used to describe a state of lightness or agility.
• "Snarl like a rabid dog" - This simile is used to describe someone or something that makes a fierce or aggressive sound, often used to describe a state of anger or hostility.
• "Puff up like a pufferfish" - This simile is used to describe someone or something that swells or inflates quickly, often used to describe a state of sudden or exaggerated expansion.

Similes from Classic Literature

• “. . . she tried to get rid of the kitten which had scrambled up her back and stuck like a burr just out of reach.” — Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
• “Time has not stood still. It has washed over me, washed me away, as if I’m nothing more than a woman of sand, left by a careless child too near the water.” — The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
• “Her romantic mind was like the tiny boxes, one within the other, that come from the puzzling East . . .” — Peter Pan, by J. M. Barrie.

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• “. . . and snow lay here and there in patches in the hollow of the banks, like a lady’s gloves forgotten.” — Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor, by R. D. Blackmore
• “I would have given anything for the power to soothe her frail soul, tormenting itself in its invincible ignorance like a small bird beating about the cruel wires of a cage.” — Lord Jim, by Joseph Conrad
• “In the eastern sky there was a yellow patch like a rug laid for the feet of the coming sun . . .” — The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane
• “. . . when I laid down the paper, I was aware of a flash — rush — flow — I do not know what to call it — no word I can find is satisfactorily descriptive — in which I seemed to see that bedroom passing through my room, like a picture impossibly painted on a running river. — To Be Taken with a Grain of Salt, by Charles Dickens
• “. . . utterly absorbed by the curious experience that still clung to him like a garment.” — Magnificent Obsession, by Lloyd C. Douglas
• “She entered with an ungainly struggle like some huge awkward chicken, torn, squawking, out of its coop.” — The Adventure of the Three Gables, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• “He looks like right after the maul hits the steer and it no longer alive and don’t yet know that it is dead.” — As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner
• “Past him, ten feet from his front wheels, flung the Seattle Express like a flying volcano.” — Arrowsmith, by Sinclair Lewis
• “Her father had inherited that temper; and at times, like antelope fleeing before fire on the slope, his people fled from his red rages.” — Riders of the Purple Sage, by Zane Grey
• “The very mystery of him excited her curiosity like a door that had neither lock nor key.” — Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
• “Elderly American ladies leaning on their canes listed toward me like towers of Pisa.” — Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
• “Camperdown, Copenhagen, Trafalgar — these names thunder in memory like the booming of great guns.” — Mutiny on the Bounty, by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall
• “It was Françoise, motionless and erect, framed in the small doorway of the corridor like the statue of a saint in its niche.” — Swann’s Way, by Marcel Proust
• “The water made a sound like kittens lapping.” — The Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
• “Kate inched over her own thoughts like a measuring worm.” — East of Eden, by John Steinbeck
• “He swung a great scimitar, before which Spaniards went down like wheat to the reaper’s sickle.” — The Sea-Hawk, by Rafael Sabatini

“. . . impressions poured in upon her of those two men, and to follow her thought was like following a voice which speaks too quickly to be taken down by one’s pencil . . .” — To the Lighthouse, by Virginia Woolf

Similes in popular songs

• “You're as cold as ice You're willing to sacrifice our love” – “Cold as ice” by Foreigner
• “How does it feel To be without a home Like a complete unknown Like a rolling stone?” – “Like A Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
• “I'm on your side When times get rough And friends just can't be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down” – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
• “Like a child, you whisper softly to me You're in control just like a child Now I'm dancing It's like a dream, no end, and no beginning You're here with me, it's like a dream” – “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
• “And it seems to me you lived your life Like a candle in the wind Never knowing who to cling to When the rain set in” - "Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
• I Feel Like a Woman! - Shania Twain
• Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
• Like a Hurricane - Neil Young