Similes are a type of figurative language that compare two different things using the words “like” or “as.” They make writing more colorful and help readers picture ideas more vividly.
One of the most common feelings we describe with similes is cold—because everyone has experienced it in some form, whether it’s the chill of winter, an icy drink, or even the coldness of someone’s attitude.
Writers, poets, and even everyday speakers love to use similes for “cold” because they instantly bring emotions and images to life. In this article, you’ll discover 35 unique similes for cold,
complete with meanings and examples. Whether you’re writing an essay, a poem, or just want to spice up your descriptions, these similes will help you capture the chill perfectly.
What Is a Simile?
A simile is a figure of speech that compares one thing to another using “like” or “as.” For example: “Her hands were as cold as ice.” It makes language more vivid and memorable.
35 Similes for Cold
1. As Cold as Ice
Meaning: Extremely cold, freezing.
Definition: Describes something very chilly to the touch.
- Example: Her hands were as cold as ice after walking in the snow.
- Example: His stare was as cold as ice, showing no emotion.
2. Cold Like a Freezer
Meaning: Chilled like the inside of a freezer.
Definition: Used when something feels artificially cold.
- Example: The office felt cold like a freezer with the air conditioning blasting.
- Example: My drink stayed fresh, cold like a freezer all day.
3. As Cold as Snow
Meaning: Refreshingly cold like freshly fallen snow.
Definition: Highlights natural winter-like coldness.
- Example: The mountain air was as cold as snow.
- Example: Her touch was as cold as snow on my skin.
4. Cold Like a Stone
Meaning: Lifeless and freezing.
Definition: Suggests both physical coldness and emotional indifference.
- Example: His heart felt cold like a stone.
- Example: The bench was cold like a stone in the morning frost.
5. As Cold as Steel
Meaning: Icy and unfeeling.
Definition: Describes sharp, metallic chill.
- Example: The blade was as cold as steel.
- Example: Her response was as cold as steel, leaving him speechless.
6. Cold Like the Arctic
Meaning: Extremely freezing.
Definition: Compares coldness to the Arctic climate.
- Example: The wind was cold like the Arctic.
- Example: His hug felt cold like the Arctic night.
7. As Cold as Frost
Meaning: Sharp, biting cold.
Definition: Evokes the thin, icy chill of frost.
- Example: The grass was as cold as frost under her feet.
- Example: His handshake was as cold as frost.
8. Cold Like the Grave
Meaning: Deadly and chilling.
Definition: Often used for eerie or scary coldness.
- Example: The cellar air was cold like the grave.
- Example: Her silence was cold like the grave.
9. As Cold as Marble
Meaning: Smooth, icy, and emotionless.
Definition: Suggests elegant but lifeless chill.
- Example: His skin was as cold as marble.
- Example: The statue felt as cold as marble to the touch.
10. Cold Like Midnight Air
Meaning: Crisp and chilly.
Definition: Describes a cool nighttime atmosphere.
- Example: The air was cold like midnight air in December.
- Example: Her words cut cold like midnight air.
11. As Cold as Frozen Glass
Meaning: Clear and icy.
Definition: Evokes fragile but sharp chill.
- Example: The window was as cold as frozen glass.
- Example: His stare was as cold as frozen glass.
12. Cold Like Winter Rain
Meaning: Damp and chilly.
Definition: Suggests uncomfortable, wet coldness.
- Example: The clothes felt cold like winter rain.
- Example: The mood turned cold like winter rain.
13. As Cold as a Blizzard
Meaning: Fierce and freezing.
Definition: Describes overwhelming, storm-like cold.
- Example: His anger was as cold as a blizzard.
- Example: The wind was as cold as a blizzard storm.
14. Cold Like a Shadow
Meaning: Creepy and chilling.
Definition: Suggests mysterious coldness.
- Example: The corner felt cold like a shadow.
- Example: His presence was cold like a shadow behind me.
15. As Cold as a Frozen Lake
Meaning: Still and icy.
Definition: Suggests frozen surfaces.
- Example: The pond was as cold as a frozen lake.
- Example: Her gaze was as cold as a frozen lake in winter.
16. Cold Like a Tombstone
Meaning: Deathly cold.
Definition: Evokes lifeless chill.
- Example: The stone felt cold like a tombstone.
- Example: His reply was cold like a tombstone.
17. As Cold as the North Pole
Meaning: Extremely freezing.
Definition: Describes ultimate coldness.
- Example: The wind was as cold as the North Pole.
- Example: The room felt as cold as the North Pole at night.
18. Cold Like a Frozen Heart
Meaning: Emotionally cold.
Definition: Suggests lack of warmth or empathy.
- Example: She was cold like a frozen heart after betrayal.
- Example: His cold like a frozen heart expression scared me.
19. As Cold as Ice Cream
Meaning: Playfully cold.
Definition: Refreshing, not uncomfortable.
- Example: The drink was as cold as ice cream.
- Example: His hands felt as cold as ice cream on my cheek.
20. Cold Like a Snowman
Meaning: Fun but freezing.
Definition: Evokes childlike winter imagery.
- Example: His hug was cold like a snowman.
- Example: The doll was cold like a snowman outside.
21. As Cold as Winter’s Breath
Meaning: Sharp and piercing.
Definition: Compares cold to icy air in winter.
- Example: Her sigh was as cold as winter’s breath.
- Example: The night felt as cold as winter’s breath.
22. Cold Like Dry Ice
Meaning: Burning cold.
Definition: Extremely intense, stinging cold.
- Example: The metal felt cold like dry ice.
- Example: His tone was cold like dry ice on skin.
23. As Cold as Frozen Tears
Meaning: Sad, emotional cold.
Definition: Combines sadness with icy imagery.
- Example: Her touch was as cold as frozen tears.
- Example: The letter felt as cold as frozen tears.
24. Cold Like a Forgotten Room
Meaning: Empty and chilly.
Definition: Suggests neglect and loneliness.
- Example: The house was cold like a forgotten room.
- Example: His voice was cold like a forgotten room’s silence.
25. As Cold as Polar Winds
Meaning: Strong and freezing.
Definition: Evokes icy gusts.
- Example: The breeze was as cold as polar winds.
- Example: His words cut as cold as polar winds.
26. Cold Like the Ocean Depths
Meaning: Mysterious and freezing.
Definition: Describes chilling deep-sea cold.
- Example: The water was cold like the ocean depths.
- Example: His stare was cold like the ocean depths.
27. As Cold as a Glacier
Meaning: Massive and icy.
Definition: Suggests steady, unmovable cold.
- Example: The mountain was as cold as a glacier.
- Example: Her heart seemed as cold as a glacier.
28. Cold Like Forgotten Memories
Meaning: Sad and distant.
Definition: Combines emotional chill with fading past.
- Example: His smile was cold like forgotten memories.
- Example: The place felt cold like forgotten memories.
29. As Cold as a Snowflake
Meaning: Delicate and chilly.
Definition: Tiny but sharp coldness.
- Example: Her kiss was as cold as a snowflake.
- Example: The touch was as cold as a snowflake on skin.
30. Cold Like the Void of Space
Meaning: Endless and freezing.
Definition: Evokes cosmic coldness.
- Example: The night was cold like the void of space.
- Example: His emotions felt cold like the void of space.
31. As Cold as Frozen Iron
Meaning: Harsh and metallic.
Definition: Sharp, biting cold.
- Example: The handle was as cold as frozen iron.
- Example: His grip was as cold as frozen iron.
32. Cold Like a Silent Winter Night
Meaning: Peaceful but chilly.
Definition: Suggests calm, cold atmosphere.
- Example: The mood was cold like a silent winter night.
- Example: Her presence was cold like a silent winter night.
33. As Cold as Antarctic Snow
Meaning: Extreme freezing.
Definition: Evokes harsh polar chill.
- Example: The air was as cold as Antarctic snow.
- Example: His heart was as cold as Antarctic snow.
34. Cold Like Forgotten Love
Meaning: Emotionally distant.
Definition: Evokes heartbreak and absence of warmth.
- Example: Her hug was cold like forgotten love.
- Example: His words felt cold like forgotten love.
35. As Cold as a Winter Storm
Meaning: Fierce and chilling.
Definition: Describes both physical and emotional storms.
- Example: His silence was as cold as a winter storm.
- Example: The night felt as cold as a winter storm’s fury.
How to Use These Similes in Your Writing
Similes for cold can add depth and imagery to your writing. Here are some tips:
- Poems: Use similes like “as cold as frozen tears” to show sadness or heartbreak.
- Stories: Bring scenes alive—“the room was cold like a forgotten room” helps set atmosphere.
- Songs: Add emotion—“her heart was cold like the void of space” works for dramatic lyrics.
- Essays: Use lighter similes like “as cold as ice cream” to make descriptions more engaging.
FAQs
What is a simile for cold weather?
A common simile for cold weather is “as cold as ice.” It’s simple and easy to understand.
What are some creative similes for cold?
Examples include “cold like the void of space” and “as cold as frozen tears.” They add emotional depth.
Can similes for cold describe emotions?
Yes! Phrases like “cold like forgotten love” or “as cold as a frozen heart” describe emotional distance.
Why do writers use similes for cold?
Similes help readers feel the chill, making writing more vivid, emotional, and memorable.
What’s the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A simile uses “like” or “as” (e.g., “as cold as snow”), while a metaphor directly states something is something else (“He was ice.”).
Conclusion
Cold is more than just a temperature—it can describe feelings, moods, and atmospheres. With these 35 similes for cold, you can make your writing sharper, richer, and more expressive.
Try weaving them into your stories, poems, or even conversations, and see how they bring your descriptions to life.
