Meaning & use
similes
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“similes” is a form of “simile”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Phrases that describe one thing by openly comparing it to something else with the words like or as.
Grammar: Plural of simile: as brave as a lion is one simile; two make similes.
Patterns
- similes for something
- similes in something
The poem is full of similes, such as 'her voice was like honey'.
Students were asked to underline the similes in the story.
Writers use similes to make description more vivid.
Word forms
| singular | simile |
|---|
Common combinations
- use similes
- Children's authors often use similes.
- a string of similes
- The speech had a string of similes.
- vivid similes
- Her vivid similes made the scene easy to picture.
- similes and metaphors
- We studied similes and metaphors in class.
Synonyms and how they differ
- comparisons
- Broader; any comparison, not only figures of speech with like or as.
- analogies
- Longer explanations of how two things are alike, often to teach an idea.
Word family
Commonly confused: similes or metaphors?
similes vs metaphors
A metaphor says one thing is another with no like or as; a simile uses like or as.
Practice
Which sentence contains a simile?
Choose one answer.
As quiet as a mouse compares using as. The other sentences are metaphors, stating one thing is another directly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “similes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.