Language becomes richer when we compare one thing to another. This is where similes come in. A simile is a figure of speech that uses the words “like” or “as” to show similarity between two different things. It helps us paint clearer pictures with words.
Today, we’ll explore similes that describe slowness—something we’ve all experienced, whether it’s a slow computer, a long day, or someone walking at a snail’s pace.
These comparisons are not only fun but also powerful tools for writers, students, poets, and storytellers. If you’ve ever wanted to describe something moving painfully slow in a fresh, creative way, this list of 29 similes for slow will inspire you.
What Is a Simile?
A simile is a comparison that uses the words like or as to show how two things are alike. For example: “She was as busy as a bee.”
29 Similes for Slow (With Meanings & Examples)
1. As slow as a snail
Meaning: Extremely slow.
Definition: Something that moves at a snail’s crawling pace.
- Example 1: The old printer worked as slow as a snail.
- Example 2: She walked to the finish line as slow as a snail.
2. As slow as a turtle
Meaning: Taking a long time to move.
Definition: Compared to the steady crawl of a turtle.
- Example 1: His recovery was as slow as a turtle.
- Example 2: The traffic was moving as slow as a turtle.
3. As slow as molasses in winter
Meaning: Very sluggish.
Definition: Thick molasses flows even slower in cold weather.
- Example 1: The old computer booted as slow as molasses in winter.
- Example 2: My internet is as slow as molasses in winter today.
4. As slow as a sloth
Meaning: Lacking energy or speed.
Definition: Sloths are known for being one of the slowest animals.
- Example 1: He typed the essay as slow as a sloth.
- Example 2: She climbed the stairs as slow as a sloth.
5. As slow as a glacier
Meaning: Extremely gradual.
Definition: Glaciers move inch by inch over years.
- Example 1: The project was progressing as slow as a glacier.
- Example 2: His speech dragged on as slow as a glacier.
6. As slow as a slumbering bear
Meaning: Moving lazily.
Definition: A bear in deep sleep takes time to wake.
- Example 1: He stretched as slow as a slumbering bear.
- Example 2: The morning felt as slow as a slumbering bear’s yawn.
7. As slow as honey dripping
Meaning: Thick and unhurried.
Definition: Honey flows slowly because of its sticky texture.
- Example 1: The syrup poured as slow as honey dripping.
- Example 2: Her words came out as slow as honey dripping.
8. As slow as a shadow at noon
Meaning: Barely noticeable.
Definition: Shadows move almost unnoticeably during midday.
- Example 1: Time passed as slow as a shadow at noon.
- Example 2: His progress was as slow as a shadow at noon.
9. As slow as a frozen stream
Meaning: Completely still or unmoving.
Definition: A frozen stream doesn’t flow at all.
- Example 1: The line at the store was as slow as a frozen stream.
- Example 2: My phone was running as slow as a frozen stream.
10. As slow as rust eating metal
Meaning: Gradual and almost invisible.
Definition: Rust works slowly but surely.
- Example 1: His improvement was as slow as rust eating metal.
- Example 2: The negotiations were as slow as rust on iron.
11. As slow as a creeping vine
Meaning: Growing or moving gradually.
Definition: Vines grow steadily over time.
- Example 1: The old man walked as slow as a creeping vine.
- Example 2: Change came as slow as a creeping vine.
12. As slow as dusk falling
Meaning: Quiet and gradual.
Definition: Sunset slowly darkens the sky.
- Example 1: The evening arrived as slow as dusk falling.
- Example 2: The story developed as slow as dusk falling.
13. As slow as paint drying
Meaning: Boringly sluggish.
Definition: Watching paint dry is famously dull and slow.
- Example 1: The lecture was as slow as paint drying.
- Example 2: He filled the form as slow as paint drying.
14. As slow as a sinking ship
Meaning: Gradually descending.
Definition: Ships sink steadily but surely.
- Example 1: His career decline was as slow as a sinking ship.
- Example 2: The meeting ended as slow as a sinking ship.
15. As slow as a drifting cloud
Meaning: Gentle and unhurried.
Definition: Clouds float slowly in the sky.
- Example 1: The child moved as slow as a drifting cloud.
- Example 2: The boat sailed as slow as a drifting cloud.
16. As slow as a ticking clock
Meaning: Time feels long.
Definition: Each tick of the clock feels drawn out.
- Example 1: The exam was as slow as a ticking clock.
- Example 2: The last hour of work moved as slow as a ticking clock.
17. As slow as erosion shaping stone
Meaning: Very gradual but powerful.
Definition: Erosion takes centuries to reshape rocks.
- Example 1: Progress came as slow as erosion shaping stone.
- Example 2: His patience wore away as slow as erosion.
18. As slow as a candle melting
Meaning: Gentle and steady.
Definition: Wax melts slowly with heat.
- Example 1: The night passed as slow as a candle melting.
- Example 2: Her tears fell as slow as a candle melting.
19. As slow as a long winter
Meaning: Endless and dragging.
Definition: Winters can feel long and never-ending.
- Example 1: The waiting was as slow as a long winter.
- Example 2: Recovery felt as slow as a long winter.
20. As slow as a growing tree
Meaning: Takes years.
Definition: Trees grow steadily but not quickly.
- Example 1: His learning was as slow as a growing tree.
- Example 2: Progress was as slow as a growing tree.
21. As slow as a winding river
Meaning: Gentle and curving.
Definition: Rivers take time to change direction.
- Example 1: The story flowed as slow as a winding river.
- Example 2: His walk was as slow as a winding river.
22. As slow as a lazy summer day
Meaning: Leisurely and calm.
Definition: Hot summer days pass slowly.
- Example 1: The afternoon was as slow as a lazy summer day.
- Example 2: Her mood was as slow as a lazy summer day.
23. As slow as a candle’s last flicker
Meaning: Weak and fading.
Definition: A dying candle struggles before going out.
- Example 1: His voice was as slow as a candle’s last flicker.
- Example 2: The conversation dragged on as slow as a candle’s flicker.
24. As slow as a mountain’s shadow
Meaning: Gradual and unhurried.
Definition: Mountains cast shadows that move almost invisibly.
- Example 1: Change came as slow as a mountain’s shadow.
- Example 2: The sunrise felt as slow as a mountain’s shadow.
25. As slow as a heartbeat in silence
Meaning: Feels drawn out.
Definition: In silence, every beat seems longer.
- Example 1: Time passed as slow as a heartbeat in silence.
- Example 2: The wait was as slow as a heartbeat in silence.
26. As slow as dew forming
Meaning: Gentle and unseen.
Definition: Dew collects quietly over time.
- Example 1: Her progress was as slow as dew forming.
- Example 2: The morning came as slow as dew forming.
27. As slow as drifting sand
Meaning: Almost unnoticeable.
Definition: Sand drifts in the wind at a lazy pace.
- Example 1: The work was as slow as drifting sand.
- Example 2: The desert journey was as slow as drifting sand.
28. As slow as a turtle crossing a road
Meaning: Dangerously sluggish.
Definition: A turtle crossing is both slow and risky.
- Example 1: The traffic moved as slow as a turtle crossing a road.
- Example 2: His decision was as slow as a turtle crossing.
29. As slow as an endless dream
Meaning: Time feels stretched.
Definition: Dreams sometimes feel longer than reality.
- Example 1: The night felt as slow as an endless dream.
- Example 2: His story unfolded as slow as an endless dream.
How to Use These Similes in Your Writing
Similes are more than just comparisons—they breathe life into your words. Here are some creative ways to use them:
- In poems: Add emotion by comparing slowness to natural imagery.
- In stories: Make characters’ actions more vivid.
- In songs: Create rhythm and imagery that listeners can feel.
- In essays: Strengthen descriptive writing and engage readers.
Tip: Choose a simile that matches the mood. A “snail” might sound funny, while “a glacier” feels more serious.
FAQs
What does it mean when something is “as slow as molasses”?
It means extremely sluggish, especially when waiting for something.
Which simile is the most common for slow?
“As slow as a snail” is one of the most popular similes in English.
Can I use similes in formal writing?
Yes, but choose carefully—poetic similes work better in creative or persuasive writing.
Are similes and metaphors the same?
Not exactly. Similes use like or as, while metaphors directly compare without those words.
Why use similes at all?
They make descriptions more colorful, helping readers imagine things better.
Conclusion
Similes give us fresh ways to describe everyday experiences. Whether you want to capture the drag of time, the crawl of traffic, or the weight of waiting, these 29 similes for slow can enrich your writing. Try using them in your next poem, essay, or story—you’ll see how much more vivid your words become.
