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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
metaphor
Noun
-
In an era of horror mired in pathos and trauma metaphors, there’s a refreshing simplicity to movies that are just about finding new ways to turn people into goop.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
22 May 2025
-
The prison was both a historical set piece and a metaphor — symbolizing his emotional confinement.—
Victoria Bousis,
Rolling Stone,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Simile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simile. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share