simile
noun
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Simile vs. Metaphor
Simile and metaphor are both figures of speech used to make comparisons. A glance at their Latin and Greek roots offers a simple way of telling them apart. Simile comes from the Latin word similis, meaning “similar, like,” which is fitting since the comparison indicated by a simile will usually contain the words as or like. Metaphor, on the other hand, comes from the Greek word metapherein, meaning “to transfer,” which is also fitting, since a metaphor is used in place of something. “My love is like a red, red rose” is a simile, and “love is a rose” is a metaphor.
Examples of simile in a Sentence
James Wood, New Republic, 14 Dec. 1998
After the internship year, doctors assume greater responsibility for directing patient care. Dr. Shockcor at West Virginia offered a homely simile: "It's like working in a factory, putting doors on cars. I'm now responsible that the doors get put on right, whereas as an intern I had to make sure I had a door in my hands and didn't miss a car going by."
—Michael Harwood, New York Times Magazine, 3 June1984
“She's as fierce as a tiger” is a simile, but “She's a tiger when she's angry” is a metaphor.
What do you think of the author's use of simile?
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
The simile is not confined just to the eyes but can be used to praise the beauty, softness and radiance of a lover’s or the divine’s face, feet or hands.
—Archana Venkatesan, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2024
With his unique musical style and bold lyrics, Toto became the voice of the young generation, masterfully capturing their lives and challenges with an unforgiving writing style that brims with powerful similes and flexible rhymes.
—Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for simile 
Dictionary Entries Near simile
Cite this Entry
“Simile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simile. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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simile
noun
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