As Cold As – 45 Similes for Cold That Capture the Chill

By Andrew Jones

Similes for cold give us vivid and imaginative ways to express everything from icy weather to frozen emotions. If you’ve ever felt a chill in the air or a cold stare across the room, a simile for cold, like as cold as ice or as cold as a frozen blade, captures that sensation perfectly. In this guide, we’ll explore the most expressive similes for cold weather, emotional frostiness, and poetic descriptions that bring the chill to life.

So, whether you’re looking for a simile for cold-hearted, a simile to describe cold, or simply wondering what are some similes for cold, you’re in the right place.

From everyday expressions to literary gems, these comparisons will help you write with clarity and creative flair. Let’s uncover the sharp, shivering beauty behind each as cold as simile.

As Cold As Simile Examples

These as cold as simile examples bring icy feelings and freezing temperatures to life with sharp, memorable imagery. From everyday use to poetic expression, these similes add chill and character to your writing.

As cold as ice

As cold as ice: similes for cold

Meaning: A person who is emotionally distant or indifferent.

Example Sentence:

  • “Despite the harsh words from her colleague, she remained as cold as ice, unaffected by the criticism.”
  • “He was as cold as ice when asked about the tragic event, showing no emotion at all.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As frosty as a winter morning ❄️
  • As aloof as a snow-capped mountain 🏔️

As cold as a stone

Meaning: That simile for cold portrays someone who is unemotional, impassive, or unsympathetic.

Example Sentence:

  • “His response was as cold as a stone; not a hint of compassion could be detected.”
  • She gazed at me with a coldness like stone, as though I were a stranger.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As unfeeling as a block of granite 🪨
  • As indifferent as a statue 🗿

As frigid as a glacier

Meaning: That simile for cold portrays someone who is extremely distant or unapproachable.

Example Sentence:

  • “The boss’s demeanor was as frigid as a glacier; no one dared to speak to her.”
  • After the argument, their relationship seemed as cold as a glacier.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As cold as a frozen lake ❄️
  • As unyielding as an ice shelf 🌨️

If you’re exploring more ways to express qualities through vivid comparisons, check out our Simile for Patience page for equally expressive and thoughtful examples.

As chill as a winter breeze

Meaning: A laid-back or calm personality, often in stressful situations.

Example Sentence:

  • “Even with the tight deadline, he was as chill as a winter breeze, taking everything in stride.”
  • She was as calm as a winter breeze, untouched by the chaos surrounding her.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As easygoing as a snowflake ☃️
  • As relaxed as a slow snowfall ❄️

As cold as a winter’s night

Meaning: Describes feelings of sadness or loneliness.

Example Sentence:

  • “Her heart felt as cold as a winter’s night after hearing the heartbreaking news.”
  • The silence in the room was as chilling as a winter’s night, thick with unspoken words.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As dark as a midnight storm 🌑
  • As empty as an abandoned cabin 🏚️

As cold as a snowstorm

Meaning: Someone who is angry, harsh, or aggressive.

Example Sentence:

  • “His voice was as cold as a snowstorm when he spoke to his assistant about the mistake.”
  • “The argument was like a snowstorm—intense and freezing any hope of reconciliation.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As harsh as a blizzard ⛄

As frosty as the air in December

Meaning: An emotion or attitude that is distant, unfriendly, or hostile.

Example Sentence:

  • “Her smile was as frosty as the air in December, barely a hint of warmth in her expression.”
  • “The atmosphere between the two was as frosty as the air in December, thick with tension.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As chilly as a January morning 🧣
  • As unwelcoming as a tundra 🌨️

Famous Similes for Cold in Literature

Similes for cold in literature help authors paint emotional and physical chill with striking clarity. From poetic phrases to famous lines, the similes below capture coldness in ways that resonate across time and genres.

As cold as the North Pole

Meaning: Describes someone who is very reserved or distant.

Example Sentence:

  • “He greeted everyone at the party with a smile that was as cold as the North Pole.”
  • “Her demeanor was as cold as the North Pole, making her difficult to approach.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As icy as the Arctic Circle 🌍
  • As frigid as the Antarctic continent ❄️

As chilly as a morning in Alaska

Meaning: That simile for cold refers to an environment or sensation that is intensely cold.

Example Sentence:

  • The cold wind on the mountain was as biting as a morning in Alaska, cutting through the skin.
  • “Walking through the forest in the early morning, the air felt as chilly as a morning in Alaska.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As brisk as a mountain breeze 🏞️
  • As sharp as a cold wind on the peaks 🏔️
See also  47 Similes for Great with Meaning and Examples in 2025

As icy as a frozen pond

Meaning: Something that is extremely cold or emotionally distant.

Example Sentence:

  • “His attitude towards the project was as icy as a frozen pond, showing no enthusiasm.”
  • “She gave me an icy look, as if I had just stepped onto a frozen pond.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As hard as an ice sheet 🌨️
  • As cold as an ice cube 🧊

Want more vivid comparisons like these? Check out our simile for hungry page to explore powerful expressions for extreme hunger.

As sharp as the ice on a frozen lake

Meaning: Describes something or someone that is crisp, cold, and potentially dangerous.

Example Sentence:

  • “Her tongue was as sharp as the ice on a frozen lake, cutting through the conversation.”
  • “The wind was as sharp as the ice on a frozen lake, stinging the face as it blew through the trees.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As biting as a wintry wind 🥶
  • As piercing as a frozen shard of glass 🔪

As cold as logic

Meaning: Describes a thought process or reasoning that is emotionless and detached.

Example Sentence:

  • “His response to the emotional appeal was as cold as logic, all facts and no empathy.”
  • “The analysis was as cold as logic, lacking any consideration for the human element.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As calculating as a computer processor 💻
  • As rational as an equation 📐

As distant as the cold moon

Meaning: Describes a sense of isolation or detachment from others.

Example Sentence:

  • “Her thoughts were as distant as the cold moon, far from the warmth of human connection.”
  • “The relationship had become as distant as the cold moon, no longer tethered by affection.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As detached as a distant star ✨
  • As remote as a faraway galaxy 🌌

As cold as a tundra

Meaning: Describes something extremely cold, both physically and metaphorically, often used for harsh or barren environments.

Example Sentence:

  • “The wind in the Arctic was as cold as a tundra, numbing every inch of skin exposed to it.”
  • “Her response was as cold as a tundra, leaving me speechless and hurt.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As cold as the desert at night 🌵

Common Similes for Cold

These similes for cold are used in everyday language to describe icy temperatures, emotions, or moods. Simple yet powerful phrases like, as cold as ice and as cold as snow, instantly add clarity and imagery to your writing.

15. As cold as death

Meaning: That simile for cold portrays a feeling or atmosphere that is chilling, lifeless, or eerie, often used to symbolize the absence of warmth or emotion.

Example Sentence:

  • “The room grew as cold as death when the news of the tragedy was announced.”
  • “His gaze was as cold as death, and I could feel the weight of his silence.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As lifeless as a graveyard ⚰️
  • As empty as a mausoleum 🏛️

16. As cold as a grave

Meaning: Describes a feeling or mood that is lifeless, unwelcoming, or dead.

Example Sentence:

  • “The atmosphere in the office was as cold as a grave after the bad news spread.”
  • “His handshake was as cold as a grave, offering no warmth or comfort.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As still as a tomb 🏰
  • As silent as a crypt 🕯️

As cold as a polar bear’s nose

Meaning: Used to describe something or someone extremely cold, often referencing the frigid environment of the Arctic.

Example Sentence:

  • Her touch was as cold as a polar bear’s nose, sending a shiver down me.
  • The wind outside was as icy as a polar bear’s nose, sending chills down my spine.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As chilly as a snowstorm 🌨️
  • As frosty as a mountain peak 🏔️

As Cold as What?

Wondering as cold as what you can say to describe icy temperatures or frosty emotions? These similes for cold offer striking comparisons—from as cold as a glacier to as cold as rejection—that make your writing unforgettable.

As cold as a Siberian winter

Meaning: Refers to a very harsh and intense cold, often used to describe extreme weather or a person’s aloof demeanor.

Example Sentence:

  • “The wind in Siberia can be as cold as a Siberian winter, freezing anyone in its path.”
  • “Her reaction to the news was as cold as a Siberian winter, completely emotionless.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As freezing as an ice age ❄️
  • As bitter as an Alaskan storm 🌬️

If you enjoy exploring rich comparisons like these, don’t miss our collection of similes for dark, perfect for setting a moody or mysterious tone in your writing.

As cold as a snowflake

Meaning: Describes something delicate but cold, often used to portray someone or something as pure or isolated.

See also  30 Similes for Old with Meaning and Examples in 2025

Example Sentence:

  • “The room was as cold as a snowflake, each draft causing a shiver.”
  • “Her mood was as cold as a snowflake, brief but freezing in its intensity.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As crisp as fresh snow ❄️
  • As fragile as ice crystals 🌨️

As cold as an iceberg

Meaning: That simile for cold portrays something or someone that is physically cold, distant, or unapproachable. Example Sentence:

  • Her smile was as frigid as an iceberg, showing no trace of warmth.
  • “The reception was as cold as an iceberg, and I could sense the tension in the room.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As frozen as a mountain peak 🏔️
  • As still as an icy pond 🧊

As cold as the moon

Meaning: Used to describe something or someone who is distant, isolated, or detached, often emotionally.

Example Sentence:

  • “He stood there as cold as the moon, not a word spoken, just cold silence.”
  • “Her demeanor was as cold as the moon, far removed from any warmth or comfort.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As far away as a distant star 🌟
  • As unreachable as a galaxy 🪐

Similes for Cold Weather

Need to capture the bite of winter? These similes for cold weather help paint vivid pictures of frost, wind, and freezing temperatures in your storytelling or poetry.

As cold as a winter fog

Meaning: Describes something that is uncomfortably cold and enveloping, often giving a sense of mystery or unease.

Example Sentence:

  • The air felt as cold as a winter fog, seeping into every corner of the room.
  • “The streets were as cold as a winter fog, making it hard to see ahead.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As damp as a morning mist 🌫️
  • As thick as a frozen morning 🧣

As cold as a frozen waterfall

Meaning: Refers to something chilling or mesmerizing, often used to describe an environment or a person’s calm demeanor.

Example Sentence:

  • “Her gaze was as cold as a frozen waterfall, unwavering and unblinking.”
  • “The water in the stream was as cold as a frozen waterfall, its flow now halted by winter’s grip.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As still as a frozen lake 🧊
  • As serene as a snow-covered landscape 🌨️

As cold as a witch’s hear

Meaning: Describes someone who is emotionally distant, unfeeling, or cruel, often implying a lack of compassion or warmth.

Example Sentence:

  • “Her words were as cold as a witch’s heart, cutting through the room with no care for how they landed.”
  • “He stared at me as cold as a witch’s heart, not a hint of warmth or kindness in his gaze.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As heartless as a stone 🪨
  • As unfeeling as a statue 🗿

As cold as a deep freeze

Meaning: Describes something or someone that is extremely cold, often used to convey a sense of permanent, unyielding coldness.

Example Sentence:

  • “The reception was as cold as a deep freeze, leaving no room for pleasantries.”
  • “His mood was as cold as a deep freeze, and I knew it would take a lot to warm him up.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As chilling as the arctic winds 🧊
  • As frigid as an ice cavern ❄️

As cold as an ice cube

Meaning: That simile for cold describes something that is noticeably cold, often used to portray a slight discomfort or chill.

Example Sentence:

  • The wind felt as sharp as a wind chill, slicing through my jacket and biting into my skin.
  • “The drink was as cold as an ice cube, refreshing but biting on a hot day.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As chilly as an ice pack ❄️
  • As frosty as a winter morning 🌨️

As cold as a wind chill

Meaning: Describes a coldness that goes beyond the actual temperature, often used to describe the harshness of a cold wind.

Example Sentence:

  • “The wind felt as cold as a wind chill, cutting right through my jacket and biting into my skin.”
  • “Her words hit me like a wind chill, cold and sharp, leaving me frozen in place.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As bitter as an arctic blast 🌀
  • As sharp as a winter wind 🌬️

As cold as a winter night

Meaning: Refers to a cold that is not just physical, but emotionally distant or isolating, often symbolizing a sense of loneliness.

Example Sentence:

  • “His reception was as cold as a winter night, leaving me feeling unwelcome in his presence.”
  • The night outside was as cold as a winter evening, with a pitch-black sky and still, frozen air.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As lonely as a midnight snowstorm 🌨️
  • As dark as a moonless night 🌑

As cold as a frosty breeze

Meaning: Describes something or someone that is slightly chilly or refreshing but also somewhat distant or detached.

Example Sentence:

  • “Her tone was as cold as a frosty breeze, making me feel uneasy during the conversation.”
  • The air outside was as crisp as a frosty breeze, refreshing yet biting.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As crisp as morning frost ❄️
  • As biting as a chilly wind 🌬️
See also  38 Similes for Life with Meaning and Examples in 2025

Similes to Describe Cold Hearted People

These similes to describe cold hearted people reveal emotional distance, cruelty, or a lack of empathy through vivid comparisons. From as cold as steel to as cold as a killer’s stare, these similes for cold capture the chill of an unfeeling soul.

As cold as a dead fish

Meaning: Describes someone who is emotionally distant, passive, or unresponsive, lacking warmth or engagement.

Example Sentence:

  • “His response was as cold as a dead fish, completely uninspired and without any emotion.”
  • “Her smile was as cold as a dead fish, lacking the warmth of genuine happiness.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As lifeless as a mannequin 🪑
  • As indifferent as a robot 🤖

As cold as an iceberg

Meaning: Describes something extremely cold, often in a way that feels vast or overwhelming. Example Sentence:

  • “The reception was as cold as an iceberg, with no one even acknowledging my presence.”
  • “The air around the glacier was as cold as an iceberg, making my breath visible with every exhale.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As chilling as a frozen lake ❄️
  • As frosty as the polar regions 🌍

As cold as a morgue

Meaning: Describes an atmosphere that is eerily quiet and cold, often in an emotionally distant or lifeless sense.

Example Sentence:

  • The room felt as cold as a morgue, devoid of warmth or energy in the air.
  • The silence in the house was as cold as an empty home, devoid of life or warmth.

Other Ways to Say:

  • As dead as a tombstone ⚰️
  • As silent as a crypt 🕯️

As cold as the polar vortex

Meaning: Refers to an extremely cold and harsh environment, often associated with deep winter temperatures and high winds.

Example Sentence:

  • “The wind that day was as cold as the polar vortex, freezing everything it touched.”
  • “Her rejection was as cold as the polar vortex, leaving me with no chance of recovering.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As icy as a blizzard 🌨️
  • As harsh as an Arctic storm 🌬️

As cold as an empty house

Meaning: Describes a feeling of emptiness or desolation, often implying a lack of warmth, affection, or hospitality.

Example Sentence:

  • “The silence in the house was as cold as an empty house, devoid of life or warmth.”
  • “His words were as cold as an empty house, leaving me feeling isolated and unwelcome.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As barren as a deserted room 🏚️
  • As lifeless as a ghost town 👻

As cold as snow on a mountain

Meaning: Describes a cold that is both unrelenting and expansive, often symbolizing a stark or inhospitable environment.

Example Sentence:

  • The winds were as biting as snow on a mountain, stinging my skin with every gust.
  • “Her attitude was as cold as snow on a mountain, leaving no room for warmth or reconciliation.”

Other Ways to Say:

  • As frigid as a mountain peak 🏔️
  • As unyielding as a frozen cliff 🧗‍♀️

Fill in the Blank – Similes for Cold

Complete the missing similes related to cold. Use clues from the sentence to guide you.

  1. Her hands were as cold as ice when she touched my face.
  2. The air outside was ____________________, cutting through my coat like a knife.
  3. He gave me a stare as cold as steel, with no emotion or warmth.
  4. The wind howled ____________________, making it hard to breathe.
  5. The bed felt as cold as snow when I got in late at night.
  6. His heart seemed ____________________—nothing moved him.
  7. The basement was as cold as a freezer, dark and eerie.
  8. After the storm, the ground was ____________________, hard and unwelcoming.
  9. Her voice was ____________________, sending chills down my spine.
  10. The statue felt as cold as marble beneath my fingers, untouched by warmth.

Answer Key

  1. as cold as the Arctic
  2. as cold as midnight wind
  3. as cold as death
  4. as cold as a frozen stone
  5. as cold as a ghost’s touch

Conclusion

If you’re describing a snowy night, a distant personality, or a winter breeze that cuts like a knife, these similes for cold help you say it with impact. From classic phrases like as cold as ice to unique and poetic expressions, each simile for cold adds depth and emotion to your writing.

So next time you’re trying to capture the chill—be it weather or heart—you’ll have the perfect simile to describe cold right at your fingertips.

Use these comparisons to enrich your stories, poems, or even casual conversations. With the right simile for cold-hearted or wintry air, your words will leave a lasting impression.

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