45 Similes for Cold

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.

Table of Contents

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.

James tony