Similes are comparisons that help make our language more colorful and interesting. They compare one thing to something else, often using the words “like” or “as.” For example, saying “as cold as ice” helps us understand how cold something feels by comparing it to something we already know. Similes are used in stories, poems, and everyday speech to paint a clearer picture.
In this article, we will explore some common similes for cold. You will learn what they mean and how they can help describe chilly situations. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use these similes in your writing and speech. Let’s dive into some fun ways to describe the cold!
Similes for Cold
1. As cold as ice
Meaning: Very cold, often used to describe freezing temperatures.
Example Sentence:
- The water was as cold as ice, making it hard to swim.
- Her hands were as cold as ice after she played in the snow.
Other ways to say: Frozen like a block of ice, as chilly as a glacier
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice is one of the coldest substances we know, so comparing something to it helps us understand just how freezing something feels.
Usage: Common in everyday speech and stories.
2. As cold as a snowstorm
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the weather during a snowstorm.
Example Sentence:
- The wind was as cold as a snowstorm, biting at my skin.
- After the snowstorm, the air was as cold as a snowstorm.
Other ways to say: As chilly as a winter blizzard, like the frost in a storm
Fun Fact/Origin: Snowstorms bring freezing temperatures, making them a good way to describe intense cold.
Usage: Used to describe harsh winter conditions.
3. As cold as a freezer
Meaning: Extremely cold, like something stored in a freezer.
Example Sentence:
- The ice cream was as cold as a freezer when I took it out.
- Her room felt as cold as a freezer on a winter night.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a refrigerator, as chilly as a deep freeze
Fun Fact/Origin: Freezers are used to preserve food by keeping it at a very low temperature.
Usage: Often used to describe cold temperatures indoors.
4. As cold as a tomb
Meaning: Very cold, often used to describe a cold, eerie feeling.
Example Sentence:
- The house felt as cold as a tomb when we entered after the power went out.
- The air was as cold as a tomb in the old abandoned building.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a crypt, as chill as a grave
Fun Fact/Origin: The tomb or grave is associated with death and coldness, making this simile powerful and spooky.
Usage: Used for spooky or eerie situations.
5. As cold as a winter night
Meaning: Very cold, like the temperature at night during winter.
Example Sentence:
- The air outside was as cold as a winter night, and I wished I had brought a jacket.
- The breeze was as cold as a winter night, making my teeth chatter.
Other ways to say: As chilly as a December evening, like the frost in the night air
Fun Fact/Origin: Winter nights are known for their low temperatures, making them a perfect comparison for cold.
Usage: Commonly used to describe chilly or freezing outdoor conditions.
6. As cold as a polar bear’s paw
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the paws of a polar bear, which lives in icy places.
Example Sentence:
- The water in the lake was as cold as a polar bear’s paw.
- Her breath was as cold as a polar bear’s paw as she exhaled in the frosty air.
Other ways to say: Frozen like an arctic creature, as chill as the North Pole
Fun Fact/Origin: Polar bears live in extremely cold climates, so their paws are used as a symbol for intense cold.
Usage: Often used in stories and descriptions of cold animals and climates.
7. As cold as a wind from the Arctic
Meaning: Very cold, like the winds from the Arctic, the coldest part of the world.
Example Sentence:
- The wind was as cold as a wind from the Arctic, making me pull my coat tighter.
- His hands were as cold as a wind from the Arctic after he touched the snow.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a northern breeze, as bitter as polar winds
Fun Fact/Origin: The Arctic is known for its freezing temperatures, and the wind there can be extremely harsh.
Usage: Used to describe cold winds or air.
8. As cold as a January morning
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the typical temperature on a January morning.
Example Sentence:
- The air was as cold as a January morning, and I had to wear gloves.
- His face felt as cold as a January morning after walking outside without a hat.
Other ways to say: As frosty as a winter dawn, like the chill of early winter
Fun Fact/Origin: January is usually the coldest month of the year in many places, making it a good comparison for cold.
Usage: Commonly used in stories or to describe winter weather.
9. As cold as the North Pole
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the North Pole, one of the coldest places on Earth.
Example Sentence:
- The temperature outside felt as cold as the North Pole, and I had to bundle up.
- Her breath came out as cold as the North Pole, freezing in the air.
Other ways to say: Freezing like the tundra, as chilly as the ice caps
Fun Fact/Origin: The North Pole is famous for its freezing temperatures, often reaching below freezing.
Usage: Used in both everyday speech and creative writing.
10. As cold as a glacier
Meaning: Very cold, like the ice of a glacier.
Example Sentence:
- The lake was as cold as a glacier, and I didn’t want to get in.
- The wind outside felt as cold as a glacier on a mountain top.
Other ways to say: Frozen like icebergs, as frosty as a frozen river
Fun Fact/Origin: Glaciers are huge masses of ice, and the temperature around them is usually well below freezing.
Usage: Common in descriptions of cold weather or icy places.
11. As cold as a winter frost
Meaning: Extremely cold, like frost that forms on surfaces during winter.
Example Sentence:
- The grass was as cold as a winter frost, making my feet freeze in the morning.
- The air was as cold as a winter frost after the snowstorm.
Other ways to say: Freezing like ice crystals, as chilly as a frosty morning
Fun Fact/Origin: Frost forms when temperatures drop below freezing, which is typical in winter.
Usage: Used to describe cold temperatures or early winter mornings.
12. As cold as a metal pole in winter
Meaning: Very cold, like the metal poles outside that feel extra cold in winter.
Example Sentence:
- The swing’s metal chain was as cold as a metal pole in winter.
- His fingers felt as cold as a metal pole in winter after he touched the frozen metal.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a steel bar, as frosty as iron
Fun Fact/Origin: Metal conducts cold easily, which is why metal objects feel colder than wooden or plastic ones in the winter.
Usage: Often used to describe things made of metal in cold weather.
13. As cold as a winter’s night
Meaning: Very cold, like the temperature during the night in winter.
Example Sentence:
- The house felt as cold as a winter’s night when the heater broke.
- His breath came out as cold as a winter’s night in the frosty air.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a December evening, as chilly as a cold night
Fun Fact/Origin: Winter nights are typically cold and chilly, which makes them a good comparison for describing coldness.
Usage: Often used to describe temperatures at night during winter.
14. As cold as a frozen lake
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the surface of a frozen lake.
Example Sentence:
- The pond was as cold as a frozen lake after the snowstorm.
- Her feet felt as cold as a frozen lake when she stepped on the icy ground.
Other ways to say: Frozen like a solid block of ice, as cold as a winter pond
Fun Fact/Origin: Frozen lakes are known for their solid, icy surfaces, and they can stay below freezing for long periods.
Usage: Used to describe anything that feels very cold or icy.
15. As cold as an ice cube
Meaning: Very cold, like an ice cube taken straight from the freezer.
Example Sentence:
- Her drink was as cold as an ice cube after she poured it into the glass.
- The air in the room was as cold as an ice cube from the freezer.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a cube of ice, as chilly as a cold drink
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice cubes are often used to chill drinks, and they are very cold, making them a perfect example for coldness.
Usage: Used when describing things that are very cold, especially liquids or drinks.
16. As cold as a draft
Meaning: Very cold, like the sudden burst of cold air from a draft.
Example Sentence:
- The room was as cold as a draft from the open window.
- The wind was as cold as a draft, sneaking in through the cracks in the door.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a cold breeze, as chilly as a gust of wind
Fun Fact/Origin: Drafts are caused by cold air sneaking in through cracks or open spaces, which is why they feel especially cold.
Usage: Often used in homes or buildings when describing a cold wind or breeze.
17. As cold as a mountain top
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the top of a mountain where temperatures drop sharply.
Example Sentence:
- The air at the peak was as cold as a mountain top, making it hard to breathe.
- His face felt as cold as a mountain top after he climbed the hill.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a summit, as chill as the highest peak
Fun Fact/Origin: Mountains are often covered with snow, and their peaks have colder temperatures due to their height.
Usage: Used to describe extreme cold at high altitudes.
18. As cold as a windchill
Meaning: Very cold, like the temperature felt when the wind makes it feel colder than it really is.
Example Sentence:
- The temperature was 30°F, but with the windchill, it felt as cold as a windchill below zero.
- The wind made it as cold as a windchill, and I couldn’t stop shivering.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a cold front, as bitter as a winter wind
Fun Fact/Origin: Windchill makes it feel colder because the moving air carries heat away from your body faster.
Usage: Used to describe cold temperatures made worse by wind.
19. As cold as a bone
Meaning: Very cold, often referring to the feeling of coldness reaching deep inside the body.
Example Sentence:
- The air was as cold as a bone as we walked through the snow.
- His fingers were as cold as a bone after the long winter night.
Other ways to say: Freezing to the core, as chilly as ice in the bones
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase refers to the deep cold that seems to go all the way to your bones, making it feel even colder than the surface.
Usage: Often used when describing intense or piercing cold.
20. As cold as a glass of water from the fridge
Meaning: Very cold, like the temperature of a glass of water that has been chilled in the fridge.
Example Sentence:
- The water was as cold as a glass of water from the fridge.
- Her hands felt as cold as a glass of water from the fridge after she stepped outside.
Other ways to say: Freezing like chilled water, as cool as a cold drink
Fun Fact/Origin: Fridges keep drinks cold, making them an easy way to describe something that’s very cold but not freezing.
Usage: Used in everyday situations to describe moderately cold items.
21. As cold as an ice shelf
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the large sheets of ice in polar regions.
Example Sentence:
- The air was as cold as an ice shelf when we stepped outside in the morning.
- The water was as cold as an ice shelf in Antarctica.
Other ways to say: Frozen like a polar ice sheet, as chill as a glacier
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice shelves are vast ice formations in cold regions, like Antarctica, and are some of the coldest places on Earth.
Usage: Used to describe very cold conditions or environments.
22. As cold as a frozen windshield
Meaning: Very cold, like the ice that forms on car windshields in winter.
Example Sentence:
- The windshield was as cold as a frozen windshield when I tried to clean it.
- The morning frost made the car feel as cold as a frozen windshield.
Other ways to say: Frozen like the glass of a car, as icy as a winter windshield
Fun Fact/Origin: Windshields freeze when the temperature is below freezing, making them a good way to describe cold.
Usage: Often used to describe cars or cold winter mornings.
23. As cold as an ice crystal
Meaning: Very cold, like the tiny ice crystals that form in freezing temperatures.
Example Sentence:
- The air felt as cold as an ice crystal when we walked into the frosty morning.
- Her breath was as cold as an ice crystal in the early morning air.
Other ways to say: Frozen like frost, as chill as a snowflake
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice crystals form when water vapor freezes in the air, making them a good representation of cold.
Usage: Often used to describe cold and frosty mornings.
24. As cold as a refrigerator
Meaning: Very cold, like the temperature inside a refrigerator.
Example Sentence:
- The room felt as cold as a refrigerator with the AC on high.
- His feet were as cold as a refrigerator after he stepped out into the snow.
Other ways to say: Chilly like a fridge, as cool as a cold drink
Fun Fact/Origin: Refrigerators are designed to keep food at a cold temperature, often just above freezing.
Usage: Used to describe a moderate level of coldness.
25. As cold as a frozen pond
Meaning: Very cold, like the surface of a pond frozen solid in winter.
Example Sentence:
- The surface of the pond was as cold as a frozen pond, making it dangerous to walk on.
- The wind made the air feel as cold as a frozen pond in the middle of winter.
Other ways to say: Frozen like a winter lake, as chill as a frosty river
Fun Fact/Origin: Frozen ponds are common in winter, providing a great comparison for cold conditions.
Usage: Used to describe frozen or cold outdoor environments.
26. As cold as a snowflake
Meaning: Very cold, like the icy snowflakes that fall during winter.
Example Sentence:
- The morning air felt as cold as a snowflake drifting down from the sky.
- His hands were as cold as a snowflake after playing in the snow for hours.
Other ways to say: Freezing like frozen snow, as chilly as a snowstorm
Fun Fact/Origin: Snowflakes are made of ice, which makes them a perfect symbol for cold weather.
Usage: Commonly used in stories or descriptions of snow.
27. As cold as an ice cream cone
Meaning: Very cold, like ice cream that has just come out of the freezer.
Example Sentence:
- The soda was as cold as an ice cream cone, and it made my teeth hurt.
- The wind was as cold as an ice cream cone when I stepped outside.
Other ways to say: Freezing like frozen treats, as chilly as frozen desserts
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice cream is stored at very cold temperatures, so it’s often used as a comparison for coldness.
Usage: Used to describe cold foods or cold weather.
28. As cold as a block of ice
Meaning: Extremely cold, like a large block of ice.
Example Sentence:
- The lake was as cold as a block of ice, making it hard to go swimming.
- The room felt as cold as a block of ice after the snowstorm.
Other ways to say: Freezing like ice cubes, as chilly as an iceberg
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice blocks are often used to cool things down, making them a good way to describe very cold temperatures.
Usage: Used to describe cold conditions, especially in summer.
29. As cold as a freezer burned steak
Meaning: Very cold, like a steak that’s been left too long in the freezer.
Example Sentence:
- His hands were as cold as a freezer burned steak after he grabbed the frozen food.
- The meat in the freezer was as cold as a freezer burned steak, hard to touch.
Other ways to say: Frozen like a freezer item, as chill as frozen food
Fun Fact/Origin: Freezer burn happens when food is stored in the freezer too long and gets icy, making it a fitting metaphor for cold.
Usage: Used when describing freezing cold things or situations.
30. As cold as a glass of iced tea
Meaning: Very cold, like the chilled iced tea on a hot day.
Example Sentence:
- The lemonade was as cold as a glass of iced tea.
- His breath was as cold as a glass of iced tea after a long run.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a cold beverage, as chilly as a frosty drink
Fun Fact/Origin: Iced tea is a refreshing drink often served cold, making it an easy comparison for coldness.
Usage: Used in everyday speech to describe cold drinks or weather.
31. As cold as a popsicle
Meaning: Extremely cold, like a popsicle fresh from the freezer.
Example Sentence:
- The soda was as cold as a popsicle, and it made my tongue feel numb.
- Her hands were as cold as a popsicle after she played outside in the snow.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a frozen treat, as chilly as a frosty snack
Fun Fact/Origin: Popsicles are made of ice, so they’re often used to describe something very cold.
Usage: Commonly used to describe cold foods or weather.
32. As cold as a draft from the basement
Meaning: Very cold, like a chilly breeze from the basement.
Example Sentence:
- The air felt as cold as a draft from the basement when I opened the door.
- The breeze was as cold as a draft from the basement, making me shiver.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a chilly air, as cold as the cellar
Fun Fact/Origin: Basements are often colder than other parts of a house, especially in winter.
Usage: Used to describe a sudden rush of cold air.
33. As cold as an ice-covered road
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the icy roads during winter.
Example Sentence:
- The car’s tires felt as cold as an ice-covered road as we drove on the slick streets.
- The ground outside was as cold as an ice-covered road after the storm.
Other ways to say: Freezing like black ice, as chill as a snow-covered path
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice-covered roads can be dangerous, which is why they are a common comparison for cold weather.
Usage: Used when describing icy or slippery conditions.
34. As cold as a mountain breeze
Meaning: Very cold, like the crisp and cool breeze in the mountains.
Example Sentence:
- The air felt as cold as a mountain breeze when I went for a hike.
- His fingers were as cold as a mountain breeze after he touched the snow.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a fresh mountain wind, as chill as a high-altitude gust
Fun Fact/Origin: Mountain breezes can feel very cold because of the high elevation.
Usage: Used to describe cold winds in high places.
35. As cold as a polar bear’s den
Meaning: Very cold, like the icy home of a polar bear in the Arctic.
Example Sentence:
- The room was as cold as a polar bear’s den after the heater broke.
- The wind outside felt as cold as a polar bear’s den during the storm.
Other ways to say: Freezing like an Arctic home, as chill as an ice cave
Fun Fact/Origin: Polar bears live in freezing temperatures in the Arctic, and their dens are often covered in ice and snow.
Usage: Used to describe extremely cold environments.
36. As cold as a snow-covered mountain
Meaning: Very cold, like the snow that covers the tops of mountains during winter.
Example Sentence:
- The wind was as cold as a snow-covered mountain when we went skiing.
- The morning air felt as cold as a snow-covered mountain in the distance.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a winter peak, as chill as a frosty summit
Fun Fact/Origin: Snow-covered mountains are often the coldest places due to their high elevation and snow coverage.
Usage: Used to describe extremely cold, snowy places or conditions.
37. As cold as the North Pole
Meaning: Extremely cold, like the frigid temperatures at the North Pole.
Example Sentence:
- The temperature outside was as cold as the North Pole this morning.
- His hands were as cold as the North Pole after he played outside in the snow.
Other ways to say: Freezing like the Arctic, as chilly as the top of the world
Fun Fact/Origin: The North Pole is one of the coldest places on Earth, making it a common reference for extreme cold.
Usage: Often used to describe very cold weather, especially in winter.
38. As cold as a chill in the air
Meaning: Very cold, like the feeling of a sudden drop in temperature.
Example Sentence:
- The house felt as cold as a chill in the air when the windows were left open.
- There was a cold breeze, as cold as a chill in the air, sweeping through the streets.
Other ways to say: Freezing like a sudden cold gust, as chilly as a sharp breeze
Fun Fact/Origin: A chill in the air happens when the temperature drops suddenly, which makes it feel especially cold.
Usage: Used to describe a sudden, unexpected coldness.
39. As cold as an arctic wind
Meaning: Very cold, like the freezing winds that blow through the Arctic.
Example Sentence:
- The wind was as cold as an Arctic wind when we went outside without jackets.
- His cheeks turned as cold as an Arctic wind after he spent too much time outside.
Other ways to say: Freezing like an icy gust, as chill as a polar blast
Fun Fact/Origin: Arctic winds are extremely cold due to their source in the polar regions, making them a good metaphor for cold.
Usage: Often used to describe strong, cold winds.
40. As cold as a block of snow
Meaning: Very cold, like a large piece of snow that hasn’t melted.
Example Sentence:
- The ground was as cold as a block of snow after the winter storm.
- Her feet were as cold as a block of snow after running in the snow for hours.
Other ways to say: Frozen like packed snow, as chill as a snowdrift
Fun Fact/Origin: Snow remains cold and solid until it melts, making it a strong image for describing cold conditions.
Usage: Used when describing cold snow or temperatures.
Quiz: Similes for Cold
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each simile. Each question has one correct answer. Use what you’ve learned from the similes to find the best choice.
Question Key
1. What does the simile “as cold as a snow-covered mountain” mean?
A) It’s a little chilly outside.
B) It’s very cold, like a mountain in the winter.
C) It’s as cold as a snow cone.
2. When someone says, “as cold as an arctic wind,” they mean:
A) The weather is warm and pleasant.
B) The weather is freezing, like the Arctic.
C) The weather is windy but not cold.
3. If you say something is “as cold as a polar bear’s den,” you mean:
A) It’s warm, like a cozy blanket.
B) It’s cold, like the Arctic home of a polar bear.
C) It’s cool, like a shaded area in the park.
4. What does “as cold as the North Pole” mean?
A) It’s warm like a sunny beach.
B) It’s freezing cold, like the North Pole.
C) It’s chilly, but not too cold.
5. If someone says their hands are “as cold as a block of snow,” they mean:
A) Their hands are a little cool.
B) Their hands are frozen, like snow.
C) Their hands are hot, like a stove.
6. “As cold as a chill in the air” suggests that:
A) It feels a little cooler outside.
B) There’s a sudden drop in temperature.
C) It’s warm, but with a slight breeze.
7. When someone says, “as cold as a snowflake,” they mean:
A) It’s freezing cold, like snow.
B) It’s warm like the sun.
C) It’s a bit cold, like ice cream.
8. If someone says it’s “as cold as a deep freezer,” they mean:
A) It’s cold, like a refrigerator.
B) It’s cold, like the inside of a freezer.
C) It’s warm, like a summer day.
9. When something is “as cold as a frozen pond,” it means:
A) It’s warm and sunny outside.
B) It’s freezing cold, like a pond covered with ice.
C) It’s cool, like a spring breeze.
10. If you say, “as cold as a deep winter night,” you’re describing:
A) A warm evening under the stars.
B) A very cold night, like in winter.
C) A cool night with no wind.
Answers Key
- B) It’s very cold, like a mountain in the winter.
- B) The weather is freezing, like the Arctic.
- B) It’s cold, like the Arctic home of a polar bear.
- B) It’s freezing cold, like the North Pole.
- B) Their hands are frozen, like snow.
- B) There’s a sudden drop in temperature.
- A) It’s freezing cold, like snow.
- B) It’s cold, like the inside of a freezer.
- B) It’s freezing cold, like a pond covered with ice.
- B) A very cold night, like in winter.
Wrapping Up
Similes help us describe things in a fun and creative way. When it’s cold outside, we can say it’s “as cold as a snow-covered mountain” or “as cold as the North Pole” to make the idea of coldness feel stronger. These comparisons help us imagine exactly how cold something is.
Remember, similes make language more interesting and easier to understand. Next time you feel the chill of winter, you can use these similes to describe the cold in a way that paints a clear picture!
