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Similes

Describe something by comparing it to something else.

EnglishWriting
Metaphors►
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##”A simile, to be perfect, must both illustrate and ennoble the subject....”  – Samuel Johnson

A simile is a way of describing something by comparing it to something else, often using the word “like” or “as.” For example, “He is as brave as a lion.”

The word simile is pronounced SIM-il-ee.

Some common similes (plus their meaning) include:

  • As alike as two peas in a pod (meaning identical)
  • As blind as a bat (can’t see very well at all)
  • As busy as a bee (very busy)
  • As cold as a fish (unemotional)
  • As clean as a whistle (very clean)
  • As clear as mud (ironic, meaning not clear at all)
  • As cool as a cucumber (someone who stays calm)
  • As delicate as a flower (fragile)
  • As easy as ABC (very simple)
  • Fit as a fiddle (very healthy)
  • Free as a bird (free to go anywhere)
  • Fresh as a daisy (clean and fresh)
  • As gentle as a lamb (very gentle)
  • Good as gold (very good)
  • Red as a beet (embarrassed)
  • To leak like a sieve (full of holes)
  • As light as a feather (light in weight)
  • As plain as day (clear to see)
  • As quick as a wink (happens in a short amount of time)
  • Sleep like a baby (sleeping soundly)
  • As silly as a goose (very foolish)
  • As hard as nails (a person who is very tough)
  • As slow as molasses (moves very slowly)
  • As old as the hills (very old)
  • Pure as driven snow (innocent, chaste)
  • Run like the wind (run very quickly)
  • Sick as a dog (very sick)
  • As slippery as a fish (a person who is not trustworthy)
  • Sly as a fox (a person who is clever and tricky)
  • As smooth as silk (very smooth)
  • Snug as a bug in a rug (comfortable and warm)
  • Strong as an ox (very strong)
  • Sturdy as an oak tree (very strong)
  • As stubborn as a mule (very obstinate)
  • Sweet as honey (very sweet)
  • Tall as a tree (very tall)
  • Thick as a brick (not very smart)
  • As tough as nails (very tough)
  • As wise as an owl (very wise)

Simile Activites

Write Similes
Write Similes

Think of and write eight similes and write a sentence with each of them: A printout about similes for early readers.

Simile and Metaphor Read and Answer Worksheet
Simile and Metaphor Read and Answer Worksheet

A printable worksheet on similes and metaphors, with a short passage to read, a multiple-choice section, and questions to answer.

Writing Similes Worksheet
Writing Similes Worksheet

For each adjective, write a simile. For example: tall: as tall as a mountain.

Find Similes
Find Similes

See if you can think of and write down a simile for each letter of the alphabet.

Other Links:
Estimated Grade Level
Our subscribers' grade-level estimate for this page:
4th - 5th
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