We use the word big all the time. Big house. Big idea. Big problem. But when you write, big can feel vague. Readers may not know how big you mean. This is where similes help. In simple terms, a simile is a comparison that uses like or as to make your meaning clearer and more vivid.
For example, instead of saying “The building was big,” you might say, “The building was as big as a mountain.” Now the reader can picture it. That’s the real meaning of similes. They show size, feeling, or impact in a way plain words cannot.
Strong similes are a key tool in creative writing. They turn basic descriptions into images people remember. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry. Learning how to use similes in writing is easier than it sounds.
In this guide, let’s explore similes for big, look at real simile sentences, and practice spotting and creating your own. By the end, you’ll understand why examples of similes make writing clearer, stronger, and more fun to read.
20 Strong Similes for Big With Meanings and Examples
1. As big as a mountain
Meaning: Extremely large
Explanation: Mountains are massive and towering.
Examples:
- The problem felt as big as a mountain.
- The building was as big as a mountain.
2. Big like an elephant
Meaning: Very large in size
Explanation: Elephants are known for their size.
Examples:
- The statue was big like an elephant.
- The shadow looked big like an elephant.
3. As big as the ocean
Meaning: Vast and wide
Explanation: Oceans stretch endlessly.
Examples:
- His dreams were as big as the ocean.
- The crowd felt as big as the ocean.
4. Big like a giant
Meaning: Larger than normal
Explanation: Giants are imagined as huge beings.
Examples:
- The man looked big like a giant.
- The task seemed big like a giant.
5. As big as a house
Meaning: Unusually large
Explanation: Houses are much larger than people.
Examples:
- The rock was as big as a house.
- The wave rose as big as a house.
6. Big like a whale
Meaning: Massive and heavy
Explanation: Whales are the largest animals.
Examples:
- The ship looked big like a whale.
- The shadow moved big like a whale.
7. As big as the sky
Meaning: Endless or enormous
Explanation: The sky has no clear limits.
Examples:
- Her hopes were as big as the sky.
- The idea felt as big as the sky.
8. Big like a football field
Meaning: Very wide
Explanation: Football fields are large open spaces.
Examples:
- The yard was big like a football field.
- The space felt big like a football field.
9. As big as a bus
Meaning: Much larger than expected
Explanation: Buses are long and tall.
Examples:
- The fallen tree was as big as a bus.
- The fish looked as big as a bus.
10. Big like a tower
Meaning: Tall and noticeable
Explanation: Towers rise high above ground.
Examples:
- The building stood big like a tower.
- His figure looked big like a tower.
11. As big as a stadium
Meaning: Huge and open
Explanation: Stadiums hold thousands of people.
Examples:
- The arena was as big as a stadium.
- The noise felt as big as a stadium.
12. Big like a cloud
Meaning: Large and spreading
Explanation: Clouds stretch across the sky.
Examples:
- The smoke grew big like a cloud.
- The pillow felt big like a cloud.
13. As big as a planet
Meaning: Extremely massive
Explanation: Planets are enormous bodies.
Examples:
- The issue felt as big as a planet.
- His ego seemed as big as a planet.
14. Big like a mountain range
Meaning: Very wide and large
Explanation: Mountain ranges stretch far.
Examples:
- The challenge looked big like a mountain range.
- The wall spread big like a mountain range.
15. As big as a barn
Meaning: Large and bulky
Explanation: Barns are wide and tall.
Examples:
- The old shed was as big as a barn.
- The dog grew as big as a barn.
16. Big like a parade balloon
Meaning: Large and floating
Explanation: Parade balloons are huge and visible.
Examples:
- The balloon floated big like a parade balloon.
- The costume looked big like a parade balloon.
17. As big as a city block
Meaning: Very wide area
Explanation: City blocks cover large spaces.
Examples:
- The park was as big as a city block.
- The crowd spread as big as a city block.
18. Big like a mountain shadow
Meaning: Large and overwhelming
Explanation: Mountain shadows cover vast ground.
Examples:
- Fear grew big like a mountain shadow.
- The figure loomed big like a mountain shadow.
19. As big as a factory
Meaning: Huge and solid
Explanation: Factories take up large land areas.
Examples:
- The warehouse was as big as a factory.
- The structure felt as big as a factory.
20. Big like a rolling hill
Meaning: Wide and rising
Explanation: Hills rise gradually over space.
Examples:
- The wave rose big like a rolling hill.
- The crowd swelled big like a rolling hill.
Practical Exercise Practice Similes
Questions
- Complete: “The building was as big as a ___.”
- Is this a simile: “The ship was big like a whale”?
- Which word creates a simile: like or very?
- Choose the bigger image: ant or elephant?
- Complete: “Big like a ___ in the sky.”
- True or false: Similes help readers imagine size.
- Replace “big”: “The wave was big.”
- Is “The room was huge” a simile?
- Complete: “As big as the ___.”
- Which simile shows extreme size: bus or planet?
Answers With Explanations
- Mountain or house — both show size.
- Yes — it uses like.
- Like — similes compare.
- Elephant — it is larger.
- Cloud — clouds spread wide.
- True — that’s their job.
- The wave was as big as a house.
- No — no comparison is used.
- Sky — endless size.
- Planet — planets are massive.
Conclusion
Similes help make size clear and exciting in writing. When you use similes for big, you don’t leave readers guessing. You show them exactly how large something feels, looks, or matters. That’s why similes are such an important part of creative writing. They turn simple words into strong images.
By practicing simile sentences and studying examples of similes, you’ll quickly learn how to use similes in writing with confidence. Start by looking at big things around you and comparing them using like or as. With practice, your writing will feel clearer, stronger, and more memorable.
