simile

as in metaphor
grammar a phrase that uses the words like or as to describe someone or something by comparing it with someone or something else that is similar "She's as fierce as a tiger" is a simile, but "She's a tiger when she's angry" is a metaphor.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of simile The simile is novel and yet the sort of thing a young woman would think; there is assonance and consonance seesawing across the sentence, which is slow and gorgeous rather than quick and thrilling. Joanna Biggs, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 These circumstances conducive to socialization are most obviously available for young people on athletic teams, but the sports simile is easily applicable to young people in marching band, theater productions, student council, volunteer and community settings and the robotics club. Jeff Nelligan, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024 Later, when asked about his evolution as a coach, Harbaugh described himself as open to change and used a mall-entrance simile to make his point. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2024 As the simile suggests, the pen could be used as a weapon, producing militant verses that would advance the nationalist cause. Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for simile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simile
Noun
  • The parts that do resonate feel like physical metaphors ripped out of real life.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In some ways, this is a good metaphor for the experience of Ramsey, of whom their co-star speaks with particular admiration.
    Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Simile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simile. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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