What is a Simile?

A simile is a comparison between two things, often used in writing and common speech, usually by using the words “like,” and “as”.

Examples:
“Easy as pie”
“He fights like a lion”

Similes are often used in speech and writing to give an interesting dynamic, comparing your subject to a different commonly-known reference. It can also be used to inject some humor, using a simile such as “Hobble like an off-balance giraffe.”

Simile vs. Metaphor

Similes and metaphors are commonly confused. While similar, they have differences in their comparison methods. A simile compares two different ideas indirectly, allowing them to stay two different ideas, whereas metaphors compare them directly, basically turning them into one idea. To clear that up, here is a common example:

Simile: “Chris is as fast as a speeding bullet.”

Metaphor: “When Chris ran, he was a speeding bullet.”

What is SimileStack?

SimileStack.com is the internet’s largest list of similes. When you land at the home page, you’ll find a random listing of our hundreds of similes. If you’re looking for something specific, head over to the search page and search away! Currently we have nearly 1,000 similes in our database and are constantly adding more. If you have your own to add, please consider submitting your simile.