What is a Simile? Definition & Examples

Common similes

Similes examples in everyday life

Similes frequently appear in everyday speech, making expressions more colorful and engaging. If you were to define simile in its simplest form, it is a way to enhance meaning by comparing two different things in an accessible and memorable way. Some popular examples of simile phrases include:

• Busy as a bee
• Run like the wind
• Cool as a cucumber
• Fresh as a daisy
• Light as a feather
• Tough as nails
• Sings like an angel
• As good as gold
• Slept like a log
  
  

You’ve heard a lot of these, right? We could go on and on, but this is just a small portion of the similes you’ll come across in your day-to-day. 

But of course, similes aren’t relegated to clichés. Most screenwriters will want to avoid the tired similes like the ones we’ve listed.

Simile and Metaphor

What’s the Difference?

Both simile and metaphor are figures of speech used in figurative language, but they function differently. To define simile correctly, it is a comparison that explicitly uses “like” or “as,” while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without these words. A simile is a type of comparison that uses like or as a type of metaphor to make a direct comparison without these words. For example:

• Simile: “Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get.” – Forrest Gump

• Metaphor: “Time is a thief.” (Here, time is directly compared to a thief without using like or as.)

Similes and metaphors are all used in everyday speech, but are also used to enhance expressiveness in writing. Unlike a word metaphor, which makes an implicit comparison, a simile makes an explicit comparison. Understanding both simile and metaphor helps writers craft more engaging and expressive narratives.

Types of Similes 

Categories of similes with illustrations

Similes serve different purposes in writing, depending on their function and effect. Understanding a simile definition can help writers determine which type best suits their narrative. Here are some key types:

1. Descriptive Similes – Used to create vivid imagery.

• "Her smile was as bright as the sun."

• "Brave as a lion."

2. Comparative Similes – Used to highlight similarities between two concepts.

• "His mind was like a steel trap—quick and unyielding."

3. Hyperbolic Similes – Used for exaggeration and comedic effect.

• "He ran like a cheetah on a sugar rush."

• "Bold as brass."

4. Literary Similes – Commonly found in poetry and prose.

• "O my Luve is like a red, red rose that’s newly sprung in June." — Robert Burns

• "Cold as ice."

5. Cinematic Similes – Used in movies to enhance dialogue or character interactions.

• "You’re as cuddly as a cactus." – The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Can you see the difference between the screenplay and the final scene? John C. Reilly’s simile made the scene more hilarious and emphasized his admiration for Brennan’s voice more effectively and with fewer words. This a great simile example that results in a scene that is more hilarious and more realistic dialogue.

Filmmakers and screenwriters also use similes to enhance dialogue and create memorable moments. Here are some famous simile examples in movies:

• “Our love was as fleeting as a summer’s day.” 500 Days of Summer
• “Your voice is sweet like honey.” A Star is Born
• “War has left the land scarred, like a wounded beast.” War Horse
• “Navigating high school is like walking through a minefield.” Mean Girls
• “You’re cuddly as a cactus.” The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

As all these examples show us, similes are an invaluable literary tool. When literal descriptions fail you, reach for a figurative comparison. The result can be surprising, funny, or moving.

Simile Explained

FAQ’s

What makes a good simile?

A strong simile is relevant, vivid, and avoids clichés. It should enhance understanding without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary comparisons.

Can similes be used in formal writing?

Yes! While similes are more common in creative writing, they can be used effectively in formal contexts to clarify complex ideas.

Are similes the same as metaphors?

No. While simile and metaphor are both figures of speech, a simile makes an explicit comparison using like or as, whereas a metaphor does not.

Final Thoughts on Similes

Conclusion

Similes are a powerful literary tool, helping writers and filmmakers enhance storytelling by creating vivid comparisons. A well-crafted simile definition ensures that comparisons remain sharp and evocative, making language more compelling. They make descriptions engaging, add humor, build tension, and evoke emotions. But ultimately, what is a simile? It is a way of making language more expressive by drawing clear and relatable comparisons. Whether in literature, film, or everyday speech, a well-crafted example of simile ensures ideas are accessible and memorable.

UP NEXT

Explore more literary devices

Similes are just one of many literary devices and types of figurative language, including metaphors, juxtaposition, and allegories. If you're a writer and want to develop your craft fully, do yourself a favor and continue this exploration. The next article on literary devices is a gateway to many of these tools that help add substance and style to any type of written work.

Up Next: Literary Devices Explained →