Similes

What is a simile?

A simile is a figure of speech used to compare two different things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.

Note: The word simile is pronounced see-me-lee.

Using similes

We use similes all the time. If your mom tells you “Your head is as round as a ball”, that is a simile. She is comparing your round head to a ball which is also round. If your dad says “I can swim like a fish”, that is also a simile. He is comparing how well he swims to how well a fish swims.

Look at the similes below. They use the word “as” to compare things. What are they comparing?

1. Drevon is as strong as an ox.
2. Her heart is as cold as ice.
3. This new mattress is as soft as a baby’s bottom.
4. Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow.
5. The dancer was as graceful as a swan.

Look at the similes below. They use the word “like” to compare things. What are they comparing?

1. Eden can run like the wind.
2. She can sing like a bird.
3. These boys fight like cats and dogs.
4. She smells like a rose.
5. He eats like a horse.

Can you use the similes below in a sentence? Give it a try!

1. as quiet as a mouse
2. as busy as a bee
3. as blind as a bat
4. sing like an angel
5. hot like fire

Watch the video below to learn more about similes.

Take the similes quiz!

Special thanks to Mr. Kerwin Eloise for assisting with this page.