A simile is a simple yet powerful way to make language more vivid by comparing one thing to another using the words “like” or “as.
” When we describe something as big, we often need creative expressions that paint a stronger picture.
That’s where similes come in! In this article, you’ll discover 31+ similes for big—each with meanings and examples.
Writers, students, and creative thinkers will love these expressive comparisons.
What is a Simile?
A simile is a figure of speech that compares one thing to another using like or as to make descriptions clearer and more imaginative.
Quick Table of 5 Similes for “Big”
| Simile | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| As big as a whale | Extremely large in size | The truck was as big as a whale. |
| Big like a mountain | Huge and towering | Her confidence grew big like a mountain. |
| As big as a house | Very large or enormous | The man’s laughter was as big as a house. |
| Big like a giant | Enormous, beyond normal human size | The boy’s dream was big like a giant. |
| As big as the sky | Limitless, vast | Her kindness was as big as the sky. |
31+ Similes for Big
1. As big as a mountain
- Meaning: Immensely large and towering.
- Definition: Used to describe something huge in size or importance.
- Examples:
- The challenge before her seemed as big as a mountain.
- His appetite was as big as a mountain.
2. As big as a house
- Meaning: Extremely large, obvious, or noticeable.
- Definition: Suggests something is impossible to miss.
- Examples:
- That mistake was as big as a house.
- Their dog is practically as big as a house!
3. As big as an elephant
- Meaning: Gigantic in size.
- Definition: Refers to something that cannot be hidden due to its size.
- Examples:
- The balloon was as big as an elephant.
- The lie stood out as big as an elephant.
4. Big like a giant
- Meaning: Huge and powerful.
- Definition: Highlights size beyond normal human limits.
- Examples:
- The building was big like a giant.
- His hands felt big like a giant’s.
5. As big as the sky
- Meaning: Vast, limitless.
- Definition: Used for size or emotions that feel infinite.
- Examples:
- Her love was as big as the sky.
- His dreams stretched as big as the sky.
6. As big as a whale
- Meaning: Enormous, ocean-sized.
- Definition: Describes massive proportions.
- Examples:
- The submarine looked as big as a whale.
- He made a promise as big as a whale.
7. Big like a castle
- Meaning: Impressive and grand.
- Definition: Suggests majesty and size.
- Examples:
- Their home was big like a castle.
- The problem was big like a castle wall.
8. As big as a bus
- Meaning: Wide and obvious.
- Definition: Easy to see or recognize.
- Examples:
- The fish was as big as a bus!
- His grin was as big as a bus.
9. As big as the world
- Meaning: Infinite and all-encompassing.
- Definition: Often used for feelings or ideas.
- Examples:
- Her compassion was as big as the world.
- Their dreams were as big as the world.
10. Big like a bear
- Meaning: Large and strong.
- Definition: Suggests physical bulk with strength.
- Examples:
- The man was big like a bear.
- His hug was big like a bear.
11. As big as the ocean
- Meaning: Wide and endless.
- Definition: Used for size, depth, or emotion.
- Examples:
- Her patience was as big as the ocean.
- The sound was as big as the ocean.
12. Big like a planet
- Meaning: Huge, out-of-this-world.
- Definition: Suggests massive and spherical.
- Examples:
- The idea was big like a planet.
- His ambition felt big like a planet.
13. As big as a mountain lion
- Meaning: Strong and commanding.
- Definition: Suggests size and presence.
- Examples:
- The athlete seemed as big as a mountain lion.
- His courage was as big as a mountain lion.
14. As big as the universe
- Meaning: Boundless.
- Definition: Used for infinite concepts.
- Examples:
- Her imagination was as big as the universe.
- Their bond was as big as the universe.
15. Big like a fortress
- Meaning: Strong and impenetrable.
- Definition: Highlights protective largeness.
- Examples:
- The walls were big like a fortress.
- His heart was big like a fortress.
16. As big as a balloon
- Meaning: Round and inflated.
- Definition: Describes swelling or growth.
- Examples:
- His cheeks were as big as a balloon.
- The idea grew as big as a balloon.
17. Big like a mountain peak
- Meaning: High and towering.
- Definition: Suggests greatness.
- Examples:
- The goal was big like a mountain peak.
- His success was big like a mountain peak.
18. As big as a tree
- Meaning: Tall and noticeable.
- Definition: Easy to see and stand out.
- Examples:
- He was as big as a tree.
- Their victory was as big as a tree.
19. Big like a river
- Meaning: Flowing and immense.
- Definition: Suggests something unstoppable.
- Examples:
- His ambition was big like a river.
- The crowd was big like a river.
20. As big as the sun
- Meaning: Bright and immense.
- Definition: Highlights scale and brilliance.
- Examples:
- Her smile was as big as the sun.
- His joy was as big as the sun.
21. As big as a lion’s roar
- Meaning: Loud and powerful.
- Definition: Suggests magnitude in sound.
- Examples:
- The applause was as big as a lion’s roar.
- His anger felt as big as a lion’s roar.
22. Big like a hill
- Meaning: Large but not overwhelming.
- Definition: Suggests notable size.
- Examples:
- The mound was big like a hill.
- The problem was big like a hill.
23. As big as a mountain of gold
- Meaning: Valuable and immense.
- Definition: Describes both size and worth.
- Examples:
- The treasure was as big as a mountain of gold.
- Her generosity was as big as a mountain of gold.
24. Big like a thundercloud
- Meaning: Heavy and looming.
- Definition: Suggests intensity.
- Examples:
- His presence was big like a thundercloud.
- The task was big like a thundercloud.
25. As big as a star
- Meaning: Bright and important.
- Definition: Highlights prominence.
- Examples:
- Her dream was as big as a star.
- His reputation grew as big as a star.
26. Big like a tower
- Meaning: Tall and strong.
- Definition: Suggests vertical largeness.
- Examples:
- The boy was big like a tower.
- Their hope was big like a tower.
27. As big as a dream
- Meaning: Vast and abstract.
- Definition: Refers to limitless imagination.
- Examples:
- The plan was as big as a dream.
- His goal was as big as a dream.
28. Big like a tidal wave
- Meaning: Overpowering.
- Definition: Suggests sweeping size.
- Examples:
- The crowd was big like a tidal wave.
- Her emotions were big like a tidal wave.
29. As big as a stadium
- Meaning: Massive and accommodating.
- Definition: Suggests large gatherings.
- Examples:
- The event was as big as a stadium.
- His energy was as big as a stadium.
30. Big like a galaxy
- Meaning: Vast and mysterious.
- Definition: Suggests scale beyond measure.
- Examples:
- Her mind was big like a galaxy.
- His love felt big like a galaxy.
31. As big as forever
- Meaning: Eternal and boundless.
- Definition: Used for limitless concepts.
- Examples:
- Their promise was as big as forever.
- The story stretched as big as forever.
How to Use These Similes in Writing (Creative Tips)
- Poems: Add emotional depth with similes like “as big as the ocean” to describe feelings.
- Stories: Bring characters to life by giving them dreams “big like a mountain.”
- Songs: Use powerful comparisons like “as big as the sky” to create memorable lyrics.
- Essays: Make descriptions vivid by writing “Her passion was as big as the world.”
FAQs
What is a simile for something very big?
A simile for something very big could be “as big as a mountain” or “big like a whale.”
Can similes be used in academic writing?
Yes, but sparingly. They are best suited for creative essays or descriptive passages.
How are similes different from metaphors?
Similes use like or as for comparison, while metaphors state that something is another thing.
Why do writers use similes?
Writers use similes to make descriptions more vivid, imaginative, and relatable to readers.
Can I create my own simile for “big”?
Absolutely! You can compare size to anything familiar, like “as big as a mountain of books.”
Conclusion
Similes are a fun and creative way to describe “big” in more vivid and memorable terms.
From “as big as a mountain” to “big like a galaxy,” these comparisons bring writing to life. Whether you’re writing a poem, story, song, or essay, these similes can make your words stand out.
Try them in your next piece of writing!
