Short answer
Metaphors and similes both compare dissimilar things to create vivid imagery, but metaphors do so by direct identification, while similes make the comparison explicit, often with ‘like’ or ‘as.’ Both forms are common in English rhetoric and literature. 1 2 3
Both are nouns describing rhetorical figures of comparison, but metaphors imply identity or fusion, while similes state similarity more overtly.
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At a glance
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| Question | metaphor | simile |
|---|---|---|
| How is the comparison made? | By direct identification or substitution | By explicit comparison |
| Are ‘like’ or ‘as’ required? | No, rarely used | Often, but not always present |
The table summarizes the stated definitions and scope. 1 2 3
What each thing is
Metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or phrase for one thing is applied to another to suggest a likeness, often by equating or fusing their qualities without explicit comparison words. 1 2
Simile. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things, typically using words such as ‘like’ or ‘as,’ to highlight a similarity between them in a more explicit manner. 1 3
Key differences
The main distinction is how the comparison is presented: metaphors equate or merge two things, while similes clarify the comparison, usually with ‘like’ or ‘as.’ This affects the rhetorical force and subtlety of each device. 1 2 3
How to tell them apart
A practical test is to see if the statement directly equates two things (metaphor) or signals similarity with explicit comparative language (simile). However, not every simile uses ‘like’ or ‘as,’ and some metaphors may be subtle. 1 2 3
Where they overlap
Both are figures of speech used to compare unlike things and can appear in poetry, prose, and conversation. Their effects may overlap, and some expressions can blur the line between the two forms. 1 2 3
Edge cases
Some similes do not use ‘like’ or ‘as,’ and certain metaphors can be extended or mixed, making classification less clear-cut. Literary usage sometimes intentionally plays with these boundaries for effect. 1 2 3
Why the distinction exists
Metaphors and similes serve to enrich language by drawing imaginative connections. Their difference lies in rhetorical approach: metaphors create a sense of unity, while similes maintain a distinction between the compared elements. 1 2 3
Common misconceptions
A common misconception is that similes always use ‘like’ or ‘as.’ While these words are typical, some similes use other comparative structures, and not every use of ‘like’ or ‘as’ signals a simile. 1 3
Examples
Metaphor: ‘Her mind was a labyrinth.’ Simile: ‘Her mind was as complex as a labyrinth.’ The metaphor fuses the mind and labyrinth, while the simile keeps them distinct but comparable. 1 2 3
Sources
Sources checked October 3, 2026.
- Merriam-Webster — Metaphor vs. Simile: What’s the difference?. Usage guide: definitions, examples and exceptions.
- Merriam-Webster — Metaphor Definition & Meaning. Dictionary entry: definitions, usage examples and word history.
- Merriam-Webster — Simile Definition & Meaning. Dictionary entry: definitions, usage examples and word history.