simile
3 synonyms for simile, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using a linking word such as 'like' or 'as', in order to make a description more vivid.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
figure of speech
How to use simile
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
extended simile
epic simile
a simile for
use a simile
Standard, common in schoolwork and literary criticism.
Etymology
From Latin 'simile', the neuter of 'similis' meaning 'like, similar'.
Full origin of simile →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A simile says one thing is like another and keeps the comparison explicit with 'like' or 'as': 'her voice was like gravel'. A metaphor states the identity directly with no linking word: 'her voice was gravel'. Both compare unlike things; only the simile signposts that it is a comparison.
Does every simile have to use 'like' or 'as'?
Almost always, but a few other constructions count too, such as 'than' ('colder than a stone'), 'as if', and 'resembles'. The test is whether the comparison is stated openly rather than implied.
Can a simile be a cliche?
Yes. Phrases such as 'as cold as ice' or 'like a bull in a china shop' are similes that have been used so often they no longer create a fresh image. Good writing usually reaches for an unexpected comparison instead.
