When the temperature drops and the air turns icy, we often turn to similes to describe how cold it feels. “Similes for Cold” help us capture the chill in a more vivid and relatable way. Whether you’re talking about a winter morning or a frigid breeze, these expressions bring the cold to life.
Similes help express the harshness or intensity of cold, making it more tangible and real. Here’s a list of similes to describe the biting cold, complete with meanings and examples.
1. As cold as ice
- Meaning: This simile conveys an extreme, unfeeling coldness, often used to describe a chill that is sharp and penetrating.
- In a Sentence: The wind was as cold as ice, stinging my face as I walked outside.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a freezer, as cold as a glacier, as cold as a winter night.
2. As cold as a snowman
- Meaning: Used to describe something that is both cold and lifeless, like the frozen form of a snowman.
- In a Sentence: The reception I got from her was as cold as a snowman, not a single smile.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a stone, as cold as a tomb.
3. As cold as a polar bear’s toenails
- Meaning: This simile paints a picture of extreme cold, taking inspiration from the icy environment of the polar bear’s natural habitat.
- In a Sentence: The room was as cold as a polar bear’s toenails, making it impossible to stay comfortable.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as the Arctic, as cold as the North Pole.
4. As cold as a witch’s heart
- Meaning: This simile is often used to describe a person who is emotionally cold or unkind, suggesting a lack of warmth or empathy.
- In a Sentence: His response was as cold as a witch’s heart, offering no sympathy for my situation.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as stone, as cold as a dead fish.
5. As cold as frozen metal
- Meaning: This simile conveys a feeling of physical coldness, often implying an unyielding and harsh chill.
- In a Sentence: The metal bench was as cold as frozen metal, making it unbearable to sit on.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as steel, as cold as a cold shower.
6. As cold as a winter’s night
- Meaning: Refers to a chilly, biting cold reminiscent of the harshness found in the depths of winter.
- In a Sentence: The night air was as cold as a winter’s night, biting into my skin with every breath.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a December evening, as cold as a frosty dawn.
Also Read: 45 Similes for Fast
7. As cold as a diamond
- Meaning: A simile often used to convey something that is not only physically cold but also emotionally detached or unfeeling.
- In a Sentence: Her gaze was as cold as a diamond, sharp and distant, offering no comfort.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as marble, as cold as a stone heart.
8. As cold as a freezer
- Meaning: This simile compares the coldness to the freezing temperatures of a freezer, evoking the idea of something intensely chilly and unwelcoming.
- In a Sentence: The office felt as cold as a freezer, with the air conditioning turned down too low.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as ice cubes, as cold as a refrigerated room.
9. As cold as the depths of space
- Meaning: This simile invokes the frigid emptiness of space, emphasizing an extreme and infinite coldness.
- In a Sentence: The room was as cold as the depths of space, leaving me shivering under my blanket.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as outer space, as cold as the void.
10. As cold as an iceberg
- Meaning: Refers to something or someone that is distant and unapproachable, as well as physically cold.
- In a Sentence: Her stare was as cold as an iceberg, making me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a glacier, as cold as a frozen ocean.
11. As cold as a dead winter tree
- Meaning: This simile describes the cold as not only physically harsh but also barren and lifeless, similar to a tree stripped of all its leaves during the deep winter months.
- In a Sentence: The air was as cold as a dead winter tree, bleak and empty, with no warmth in sight.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a winter branch, as cold as a frostbitten forest.
12. As cold as a morgue
- Meaning: Used to depict a chilling atmosphere or a cold place, often implying a lifeless or eerie coldness.
- In a Sentence: The abandoned house felt as cold as a morgue, quiet and lifeless.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a crypt, as cold as a hospital fridge.
13. As cold as the grave
- Meaning: This simile evokes a sense of finality and death, describing an intense coldness that feels as though it could freeze the soul.
- In a Sentence: The silence between us was as cold as the grave, a sign that something was amiss.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a tomb, as cold as death.
14. As cold as a stone
- Meaning: This simile expresses a lack of emotion or warmth, often used to describe a person who is indifferent or unresponsive.
- In a Sentence: He remained as cold as a stone, not even flinching at my words.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as ice, as cold as granite.
15. As cold as a steel blade
- Meaning: Refers to a coldness that feels sharp, hard, and unyielding, similar to the chilling touch of a metal blade.
- In a Sentence: Her words were as cold as a steel blade, cutting through the conversation without any warmth.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as steel, as cold as a sharp knife.
16. As cold as a freezer in Alaska
- Meaning: This simile conjures the idea of a place that is extremely cold, using Alaska’s freezing temperatures as a reference.
- In a Sentence: The wind blowing through the streets was as cold as a freezer in Alaska, biting through my coat.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a snowstorm in Alaska, as cold as a winter blizzard.
17. As cold as a black cat’s nose
- Meaning: This simile uses the image of a black cat, often associated with mystery and darkness, to evoke the sensation of being cold and detached.
- In a Sentence: The air outside was as cold as a black cat’s nose, sharp and unsettling.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a shadow, as cold as midnight.
18. As cold as the moon
- Meaning: This simile refers to the moon’s perceived coldness, drawing on its lifeless, distant qualities in the night sky.
- In a Sentence: His welcome was as cold as the moon, distant and indifferent to my arrival.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as the night sky, as cold as a distant planet.
19. As cold as a forgotten room
- Meaning: This simile evokes the sensation of being in a space that has been left unattended, dusty and neglected, with a sharp, cold atmosphere.
- In a Sentence: The attic was as cold as a forgotten room, untouched and filled with the chill of abandonment.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an abandoned house, as cold as an unused cellar.
20. As cold as a frozen lake
- Meaning: This simile conveys the idea of being surrounded by an intense, deep cold, similar to the surface of a frozen lake, which is both cold and immovable.
- In a Sentence: Her expression was as cold as a frozen lake, giving no indication of any warmth or emotion.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an icy pond, as cold as a winter river.
21. As cold as a wolf’s stare
- Meaning: This simile is used to describe a coldness that feels predatory, intense, and calculating, like the focused, unblinking gaze of a wolf.
- In a Sentence: His as cold as a wolf’s stare was enough to make anyone nervous in his presence.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a hunter’s eyes, as cold as a predator’s gaze.
22. As cold as the edge of a blade
- Meaning: This simile evokes a sense of sharpness and precision, often used to describe a feeling of cold that is biting or cutting in nature.
- In a Sentence: The wind sliced through my jacket as cold as the edge of a blade, making it impossible to stay warm.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a razor’s edge, as cold as a knife.
23. As cold as a silent night
- Meaning: This simile conveys a deep, unsettling coldness, likening it to the eerie quiet of a still night, where everything feels frozen in time.
- In a Sentence: The room was as cold as a silent night, and no one spoke a word for hours.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a still evening, as cold as a moonless night.
24. As cold as a glass of lemonade in winter
- Meaning: A playful but effective simile that contrasts the warmth of a typical summer drink with the unexpected chill of winter, highlighting the strangeness of coldness in a situation.
- In a Sentence: His reception was as cold as a glass of lemonade in winter, completely out of place for such a warm occasion.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an ice cream cone in a blizzard, as cold as a popsicle in the rain.
25. As cold as a statue
- Meaning: This simile describes someone or something that is completely unmoved by emotions, representing a coldness that is unfeeling and indifferent.
- In a Sentence: Her response was as cold as a statue, offering no comfort or empathy.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a mannequin, as cold as marble.
26. As cold as a frostbitten hand
- Meaning: This simile is used to describe something or someone that feels unpleasantly cold, drawing a parallel to the sensation of frostbite on the skin.
- In a Sentence: His touch was as cold as a frostbitten hand, sending a shiver down my spine.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as frozen fingers, as cold as a freezing touch.
27. As cold as an empty house
- Meaning: This simile conveys a feeling of emptiness and abandonment, using the imagery of a deserted, cold house to suggest a lack of warmth or life.
- In a Sentence: The house felt as cold as an empty house, its halls echoing with silence.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a vacant apartment, as cold as an abandoned building.
28. As cold as the bottom of the ocean
- Meaning: This simile refers to the deep, dark coldness found in the ocean’s depths, where sunlight never reaches, evoking a sense of isolation and remoteness.
- In a Sentence: The air outside was as cold as the bottom of the ocean, a chill that seemed to seep into my bones.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as the deep sea, as cold as the ocean’s floor.
29. As cold as a frozen breath
- Meaning: This simile conveys the sharp and immediate cold that is felt when breathing in cold air, especially during freezing temperatures.
- In a Sentence: I stepped outside, and the air was as cold as a frozen breath, stinging my lungs with every inhale.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as winter air, as cold as frosty breath.
30. As cold as a lightbulb in the dark
- Meaning: This simile describes an unexpected or unwelcome coldness, using the contrast of a non-functional lightbulb to suggest a sense of isolation or loneliness.
- In a Sentence: The atmosphere in the room was as cold as a lightbulb in the dark, filled with tension and discomfort.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a burnt-out lamp, as cold as an unlit candle.
31. As cold as a diamond in the snow
- Meaning: This simile conveys the contrast between the cold, hard nature of a diamond and the surrounding chill of snow, suggesting something cold and isolated yet beautiful.
- In a Sentence: Her gaze was as cold as a diamond in the snow, sparkling with indifference.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a frozen gem, as cold as an icy jewel.
32. As cold as an ice cube in the Arctic
- Meaning: This simile uses the extreme cold of the Arctic to describe something or someone that feels chilling, without the slightest warmth.
- In a Sentence: The receptionist was as cold as an ice cube in the Arctic, barely acknowledging my presence.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a polar iceberg, as cold as a glacier.
33. As cold as a stone in winter
- Meaning: This simile describes a coldness that is unyielding, hard, and persistent, much like a stone left outside in the harsh winter weather.
- In a Sentence: The atmosphere at the meeting was as cold as a stone in winter, with no one willing to break the silence.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a boulder in the frost, as cold as a rock in the snow.
34. As cold as a winter’s frost
- Meaning: This simile evokes the biting cold of a frost-covered morning, emphasizing sharp, uncomfortable chill.
- In a Sentence: Her reception was as cold as a winter’s frost, freezing me out without any explanation.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an early frost, as cold as a frosty morning.
35. As cold as a midnight wind
- Meaning: This simile describes a sharp, biting wind, typically at midnight, when the air feels its coldest and most cutting.
- In a Sentence: His words were as cold as a midnight wind, blowing away any sense of warmth.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an evening breeze, as cold as a night chill.
36. As cold as a frozen lock
- Meaning: This simile conveys an inability to open up or move, suggesting a sense of being frozen or blocked off emotionally.
- In a Sentence: Her heart felt as cold as a frozen lock, unyielding to any warmth.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a closed door, as cold as a keyless chest.
37. As cold as a polar bear’s den
- Meaning: This simile invokes the coldness of the harsh Arctic, implying an extremely freezing environment.
- In a Sentence: The wind blowing through the alley was as cold as a polar bear’s den, sending a shiver down my spine.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an icy cave, as cold as the North Pole.
38. As cold as an abandoned snowman
- Meaning: This simile reflects both the literal cold of snow and the sense of abandonment, evoking a scene of something forgotten or left behind.
- In a Sentence: His gaze was as cold as an abandoned snowman, lifeless and unfeeling.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an empty snowdrift, as cold as a melted figure.
39. As cold as the tip of a glacier
- Meaning: This simile compares coldness to the unyielding, extreme chill of a glacier’s peak, evoking a sense of distant and powerful cold.
- In a Sentence: Her tone was as cold as the tip of a glacier, sharp and distant.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as the mountain’s peak, as cold as an ice shelf.
40. As cold as a broken ice sculpture
- Meaning: This simile implies that the cold is not only harsh but also represents something that has lost its beauty or warmth, like a shattered ice sculpture.
- In a Sentence: The party felt as cold as a broken ice sculpture, with no joy or liveliness left.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a shattered statue, as cold as a crumbled masterpiece.
41. As cold as a wintery breath
- Meaning: This simile describes the chill of winter air when you breathe in sharply, emphasizing a sharp and biting cold sensation.
- In a Sentence: The silence between us was as cold as a wintery breath, each word spoken filled with distance.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a sharp inhale, as cold as a frosty breath.
42. As cold as a black iced coffee
- Meaning: This simile contrasts the usual warmth associated with coffee with the cold of ice, representing an unexpected, indifferent coldness.
- In a Sentence: Her tone was as cold as a black iced coffee, bitter and uninviting.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as chilled espresso, as cold as iced tea.
43. As cold as an unlit campfire
- Meaning: This simile compares coldness to the absence of warmth or light, evoking a sense of emptiness or desolation.
- In a Sentence: The room felt as cold as an unlit campfire, its warmth long extinguished.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a dead flame, as cold as an abandoned hearth.
44. As cold as a forgotten picnic
- Meaning: This simile compares coldness to an event or situation left to waste, like a picnic left out in the cold, uneaten and ignored.
- In a Sentence: The lunch hour felt as cold as a forgotten picnic, with no one even bothering to show up.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an untouched meal, as cold as leftovers.
45. As cold as a steel vault
- Meaning: This simile evokes the extreme coldness of a vault, which is both physically chilling and metaphorically suggests an emotional distance or lock.
- In a Sentence: His attitude was as cold as a steel vault, closed off and impenetrable.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a metal box, as cold as a locked safe.
46. As cold as a snow-capped mountain
- Meaning: This simile refers to the cold of snow on top of a mountain, which is distant, untouchable, and harsh.
- In a Sentence: His demeanor was as cold as a snow-capped mountain, distant and unapproachable.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an alpine peak, as cold as a frozen summit.
47. As cold as a midnight train
- Meaning: This simile refers to the eerie, lonely coldness felt during a late-night journey, conjuring a sense of isolation and distance.
- In a Sentence: The room seemed as cold as a midnight train, with no sign of warmth or life.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a night bus, as cold as a lone commuter.
48. As cold as a flickering candle in a storm
- Meaning: This simile compares coldness to a faint and struggling warmth, unable to fully hold off the chill of the storm.
- In a Sentence: The conversation was as cold as a flickering candle in a storm, never quite warming up.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a dim light, as cold as a flickering bulb.
49. As cold as the wind in a canyon
- Meaning: This simile highlights the harsh, cutting nature of a cold wind traveling through a canyon, emphasizing how overwhelming and relentless it can be.
- In a Sentence: The weather outside was as cold as the wind in a canyon, sharp and cutting through my coat.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a valley breeze, as cold as mountain air.
50. As cold as a nail in ice
- Meaning: This simile conveys a sharp, piercing cold that cuts deep, much like a metal nail frozen in ice.
- In a Sentence: The air was as cold as a nail in ice, enough to make your bones ache.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a frozen spike, as cold as a metal shard.
51. As cold as the first frost of the year
- Meaning: This simile refers to the sudden, biting cold of the season’s first frost, which feels unexpectedly sharp and harsh.
- In a Sentence: His words were as cold as the first frost of the year, cutting through the warmth of our conversation.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an autumn morning, as cold as the season’s change.
52. As cold as the end of a relationship
- Meaning: This simile represents emotional coldness, the feeling of distance, emptiness, or finality after the end of a relationship.
- In a Sentence: Her reply was as cold as the end of a relationship, distant and final.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a breakup, as cold as a heartache.
53. As cold as a quiet storm
- Meaning: This simile compares coldness to the chilling quiet before or after a storm, evoking a sense of tension or unease.
- In a Sentence: The room felt as cold as a quiet storm, as if something was about to break the silence.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a silent hurricane, as cold as a still cyclone.
54. As cold as the shadow of a raven
- Meaning: This simile draws on the symbolism of a raven’s shadow, often associated with death or mystery, to suggest a chilling, dark coldness.
- In a Sentence: His smile was as cold as the shadow of a raven, full of hidden intent.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as an ominous shadow, as cold as a ghostly presence.
55. As cold as a frostbitten heart
- Meaning: This simile suggests a profound emotional coldness, where the heart has become hardened and numb, like frostbite.
- In a Sentence: Her anger was as cold as a frostbitten heart, distant and unrelenting.
- Other Ways to Say: As cold as a frozen soul, as cold as an ice-cold heart.
Similes for Cold – MCQs Quiz
1. What does the simile “As cold as a diamond in the snow” suggest?
A) A sharp and unyielding coldness
B) A coldness that’s isolated and beautiful
C) A warmth hidden beneath the surface
D) A coldness that is easy to bear
Answer: B) A coldness that’s isolated and beautiful
2. In the sentence, “Her gaze was as cold as a diamond in the snow,” what is the tone of the gaze described?
A) Warm and inviting
B) Harsh and cold
C) Indifferent and distant
D) Loving and soft
Answer: C) Indifferent and distant
3. What does the simile “As cold as an unlit campfire” imply?
A) Warmth and coziness
B) A feeling of emptiness and abandonment
C) A sense of excitement
D) A bright and welcoming atmosphere
Answer: B) A feeling of emptiness and abandonment
4. The phrase “As cold as a snow-capped mountain” emphasizes:
A) Warmth and relaxation
B) Emotional distance and isolation
C) Joy and excitement
D) Physical heat and comfort
Answer: B) Emotional distance and isolation
5. What does the simile “As cold as a black iced coffee” describe?
A) A hot and bitter drink
B) An uninviting and bitter attitude
C) A fresh and sweet beverage
D) A warm and comforting atmosphere
Answer: B) An uninviting and bitter attitude
6. “As cold as a broken ice sculpture” refers to:
A) The sharp beauty of ice
B) The feeling of loss and abandonment
C) A sudden change of emotions
D) A refreshing and cold experience
Answer: B) The feeling of loss and abandonment
7. Which simile is used to describe extreme cold in an isolated and harsh setting?
A) As cold as a forgotten picnic
B) As cold as the tip of a glacier
C) As cold as a midnight wind
D) As cold as a polar bear’s den
Answer: B) As cold as the tip of a glacier
8. The simile “As cold as a midnight wind” conveys a feeling of:
A) A refreshing breeze
B) Extreme coldness and loneliness
C) Warmth and comfort
D) A calming, peaceful air
Answer: B) Extreme coldness and loneliness
9. What is suggested by the simile “As cold as a flickering candle in a storm”?
A) A faint, struggling warmth
B) A bright and steady light
C) A comforting and stable presence
D) A joyful and welcoming environment
Answer: A) A faint, struggling warmth
10. “As cold as the shadow of a raven” evokes a sense of:
A) Warmth and protection
B) Mystery and dark coldness
C) Bright and cheerful emotions
D) Fresh and uplifting energy
Answer: B) Mystery and dark coldness
11. Which simile describes an emotional coldness that is unyielding and unapproachable?
A) As cold as an abandoned snowman
B) As cold as a steel vault
C) As cold as a forgotten picnic
D) As cold as a midnight train
Answer: B) As cold as a steel vault
12. “As cold as a frozen lock” refers to:
A) A warm and friendly embrace
B) Emotional distance or being blocked off
C) A sense of nostalgia
D) An open, inviting attitude
Answer: B) Emotional distance or being blocked off
13. “As cold as a snowman left outside” symbolizes:
A) Frozen beauty
B) A lost, abandoned presence
C) Refreshing cold
D) A sense of nostalgia
Answer: B) A lost, abandoned presence
14. The simile “As cold as a nail in ice” implies:
A) A piercing, sharp coldness
B) A warm, welcoming environment
C) A tender, gentle touch
D) A sense of peace and calm
Answer: A) A piercing, sharp coldness
15. “As cold as the first frost of the year” conveys:
A) A welcoming, fresh start
B) A harsh and biting coldness
C) A sense of comfort and familiarity
D) A peaceful, relaxing atmosphere
Answer: B) A harsh and biting coldness
16. What does the simile “As cold as a polar bear’s den” suggest?
A) A dangerous and unwelcoming coldness
B) A peaceful, warm retreat
C) A cheerful and inviting place
D) A comfortable home in the cold
Answer: A) A dangerous and unwelcoming coldness
17. “As cold as a frozen gem” refers to:
A) A beautiful but unfeeling coldness
B) A delicate and warm object
C) A comfortable and inviting atmosphere
D) A spark of life and warmth
Answer: A) A beautiful but unfeeling coldness
18. Which simile represents an emotionally distant and unapproachable attitude?
A) As cold as an ice cube in the Arctic
B) As cold as a winter’s frost
C) As cold as a midnight wind
D) As cold as a flickering candle in a storm
Answer: A) As cold as an ice cube in the Arctic
19. What does the simile “As cold as a broken ice sculpture” reflect?
A) A sense of beauty and fragility
B) The feeling of emotional emptiness
C) A fresh start
D) A sense of joy and celebration
Answer: B) The feeling of emotional emptiness
20. “As cold as a quiet storm” describes:
A) A peaceful and calming environment
B) A sudden burst of intense emotions
C) A tense and chilling atmosphere
D) A gentle breeze
Answer: C) A tense and chilling atmosphere
21. “As cold as a night chill” evokes a feeling of:
A) A cozy, warm evening
B) A soft, gentle breeze
C) A sharp, biting coldness
D) A peaceful, restful night
Answer: C) A sharp, biting coldness
22. The simile “As cold as a steel vault” symbolizes:
A) Emotional warmth and affection
B) Emotional blockage and detachment
C) A welcoming attitude
D) Physical strength and resilience
Answer: B) Emotional blockage and detachment
23. “As cold as the tip of a glacier” suggests:
A) An extreme, unyielding coldness
B) A gentle, inviting atmosphere
C) A sense of calm and serenity
D) A fiery passion
Answer: A) An extreme, unyielding coldness
24. “As cold as a frozen heart” represents:
A) A loving and affectionate person
B) A warm, welcoming attitude
C) A person who is emotionally distant or unfeeling
D) A soft, gentle soul
Answer: C) A person who is emotionally distant or unfeeling
25. “As cold as a flickering candle in a storm” conveys:
A) A struggling, weak warmth
B) A bright and steady light
C) A cozy, safe atmosphere
D) A powerful and unyielding force
Answer: A) A struggling, weak warmth
Final Thought
Similes for cold provide vivid imagery. They help express emotions like isolation and detachment. Whether it’s a “flickering candle in a storm” or “cold as a steel vault,” these comparisons capture stark feelings. Using similes adds depth to any description of cold.
Similes for cold create a more emotional connection. They allow readers to feel the chill vividly. These comparisons transform simple coldness into a meaningful experience. A well-chosen simile can make a story unforgettable.
