50 simile examples kids will love to learn
Ever wanted to describe something perfectly but didn’t know how? That’s where similes can help. They’re like secret tools that help you paint clearer, cooler pictures with your words. Whether you’re writing a story, texting a friend, or trying to explain how epic your day was, similes can make it easier (and way more fun) to explain exactly what you mean. Let’s check out some fun examples and easy ways to remember them.
What is a simile?
A fun language shortcut, a simile is a way to compare two separate things by showing how they’re alike in one special way. Similes almost always use “like” or “as.”
Quick example: She was as busy as a bee.
You’re not saying she is a bee (of course not!); you’re saying she was working hard, buzzing around from task to task, just like a busy bee does. 🐝
Why do we use similes?
Similes help paint a picture in someone’s mind. Instead of saying “she was busy,” the simile makes it easier (and more fun) to visualize it.
Kid-friendly tip: Think of similes like comparison shortcuts. Instead of writing a super long explanation, a simile can get the idea across quickly and in interesting ways.
Easy ways for kids to remember similes
Look for "like" or "as." If you see those magic words, you're probably looking at a simile.
Create silly ones! The funnier, the better. Laughter can make it easier to relate to the comparison.
Connect to real life. Think about your own experiences. Is your room "as messy as a tornado"?
For more ways to make language playful, check out our list of hyperbole examples and onomatopoeia examples!
50 fun simile examples by category
Here are 50 similes, broken down by category, with a brief explanation for what each one means.
Similes about animals
1. As sly as a fox — Foxes are clever and sneaky hunters, so this means someone is smart at finding ways to get what they want.
Be a financially smart family!
2. As brave as a lion — Lions are known for their strength and boldness, so a fearless person, even in tough times.
3. As playful as a puppy — Puppies are full of energy and love to play, just like someone who’s always ready for fun.
4. As quiet as a mouse — Mice move so silently you can hardly hear them, just like someone being super quiet.
5. As proud as a peacock — Peacocks show off their colorful feathers, so this means someone feeling really pleased and maybe showing off a little.
6. As gentle as a lamb — Lambs are soft and harmless, so this means being very kind and gentle.
7. As stubborn as a mule — Mules are famously hard to move when they don't want to, like someone who refuses to change their mind.
8. As free as a bird — Birds soar through the sky without limits, meaning someone feels free and happy to do what they want.
Similes about people
9. As strong as an ox — Oxen are powerful work animals, so this means someone who’s physically strong.
10. As wise as an owl — Owls are often seen as symbols of wisdom, so this means someone who gives smart advice.
11. As fast as lightning — Lightning strikes incredibly quickly, just like someone who moves super fast.
12. As cheerful as sunshine — Sunshine makes everything feel bright and happy, like someone who brings joy wherever they go.
13. As tough as nails — Nails are strong and hard to bend, just like someone who is tough and doesn’t give up easily.
14. As graceful as a swan — Swans glide smoothly across water, like someone who moves beautifully and without effort.
15. As clumsy as an elephant — Elephants are big and sometimes awkward, just like someone who trips or bumps into things a lot.
Similes about emotions
16. As happy as a clam — Clams look relaxed and safe in their shells, so this means being completely happy and content.
17. As cool as a cucumber — Cucumbers stay cool even on hot days, like someone staying calm under pressure.
18. As mad as a hornet — Hornets get very aggressive when angry, so this describes someone extremely mad.
19. As sad as a rainy day — Rainy days often feel dark and gloomy, just like someone feeling very down or sad.
20. As nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs — A cat would have a hard time dodging moving chairs, just like someone who feels super anxious.
21. As excited as a kid on their birthday — Kids are bursting with excitement on their birthdays, like someone who can hardly wait for something.
22. As scared as a mouse in a cat house — A mouse would be terrified surrounded by cats, just like someone feeling extremely scared.
23. As proud as a cat bringing a gift — Cats sometimes bring "gifts" like caught mice to show off, like someone feeling very pleased with their accomplishments.
Similes about nature
24. As busy as a bee — Bees are always buzzing around working hard, like someone very active and busy.
25. As fresh as a daisy — Daisies look clean and bright, just like someone who looks well-rested and full of energy.
26. As cold as ice — Ice is freezing and unwelcoming to touch, just like someone who acts distant or unfriendly.
27. As clear as crystal — Crystal is perfectly see-through, like something very easy to understand.
28. As steady as the stars — Stars stay in their place in the sky, symbolizing someone reliable and consistent.
29. As bright as the moon — The moon lights up the night sky, just like someone who stands out with their brightness.
30. As wild as a thunderstorm — Thunderstorms are loud and unpredictable, like someone full of wild, chaotic energy.
31. As soft as a summer breeze — Summer breezes feel light and gentle, like a calm and comforting touch.
Similes about school and learning
32. As sharp as a tack — Tacks are pointed and precise, meaning someone who’s quick-thinking and clever.
33. As bright as the sun — The sun is brilliantly bright, just like someone with bright ideas.
34. As quick as a flash — A flash happens instantly, like someone who reacts or moves incredibly fast.
35. As easy as ABC — The alphabet is one of the first things we learn, so this typically means something is super simple.
36. As hard as nails — Nails are tough and strong, describing schoolwork or people who don't break easily under pressure.
37. As puzzling as a riddle — A riddle is tricky and requires thought, like something confusing but fun to figure out.
38. As neat as a pin — Pins are tiny and perfectly made, just like someone whose work or space is very tidy.
39. As slow as a snail — Snails move very slowly, describing someone who takes their time (maybe a little too much!).
Silly and creative similes
40. As slippery as a banana peel — Banana peels are known for being super slippery, meaning something or someone hard to catch or hold.
41. As bouncy as a rubber ball — Rubber balls bounce high and fast, like someone full of energy.
42. As fluffy as a cloud — Clouds look super soft and puffy, like something that feels gentle and light.
43. As sweet as candy — Candy is sugary and pleasant, like someone kind and nice.
44. As colorful as a box of crayons — A crayon box has many bright colors, like something or someone full of variety and excitement.
45. As sticky as honey — Honey sticks to everything, meaning something that clings or sticks around.
46. As loud as a firecracker — Firecrackers make a big, booming sound, like someone or something very noisy.
47. As quick as popcorn popping — Popcorn pops in bursts, meaning quick, sudden movements.
Similes kids can make themselves
48. Ran like a cheetah — Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, so this means running incredibly fast.
49. Jumped like a kangaroo — Kangaroos leap great distances, describing someone who jumps high and strong.
50. Laughed like a hyena — Hyenas have loud, cackling laughs, like someone laughing uncontrollably.
Pro tip: Encourage kids to invent their own. The more personal, the more memorable it will be!
The importance of similes in language
Similes make writing more exciting and easier to understand. They help readers "see" what the writer is imagining, like giving a friend a snapshot of your thoughts.
Quick example:
Without a simile: The cake was good.
With a simile: The cake was as sweet as a summer strawberry.
Which one sounds more delicious?
Final fun idea: Simile treasure hunt
Challenge your child to find similes in books, shows, or songs. They’re hidden everywhere! Make it a game: Whoever finds five similes first wins a prize!
Similes aren't just for language class—they’re tools kids can use every day to express themselves more vividly and creatively. And once you know how they work, you start spotting them everywhere!
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