Looking for expressive ways to describe tears and emotions? Similes for crying help bring sorrow, heartbreak, or even joy to life with vivid comparisons that resonate deeply with readers. Whether you’re writing poetry, fiction, or emotional captions, these similes add powerful imagery to your words.
From silent tears to uncontrollable sobs, each comparison paints a more relatable and emotionally rich picture.
In this article, discover similes that make your writing feel raw, real, and unforgettable.
Best Similes for Crying
Similes describing crying often draw comparisons to various personality traits. Let’s look at some emotional expressions and how similes can enhance them.
1. As Sad as a Broken Heart
- Meaning: This simile represents deep emotional pain or sorrow.
- Example Sentences:
- She felt as heartbroken as a shattered heart when her best friend moved away.
- His face looked as sorrowful as a broken heart upon hearing the news.
Other Ways to Say:
- As heartbroken as a lost love 💔
- As melancholy as a rainy day ☔️
- As miserable as an empty room 🏚️
2. As Tearful as a Rainy Day
- Meaning: Used to describe someone who is crying heavily, similar to the way rain falls continuously.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her eyes were as tearful as a rainy day after hearing the sad story.”
- “He looked as tearful as a rainy day during the farewell.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As wet as the sky after a storm 🌧️
- As sorrowful as a thunderstorm ⛈️
- As weepy as a summer shower 🌦️
3. As Silent as the Night
- Meaning: Describes crying in silence, as quiet and still as the night.
- Example Sentences:
- “He cried as silent as the night, not wanting to disturb anyone.”
- “Her tears fell as silent as the night, unnoticed by others.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As quiet as a whispering breeze 🌬️
- As hushed as a shadow in the dark 🌑
- As mute as a sleeping forest 🌲
4. As Frantic as a Caged Animal
- Meaning: Represents crying in a frantic, desperate, or uncontrolled manner.
- Example Sentences:
- “She cried as frantic as a caged animal, her emotions overwhelming her.”
- “His sobs were as frantic as a caged animal, struggling to break free.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As panicked as a trapped bird 🦜
- As desperate as a lost soul 😞
- As wild as a stormy sea 🌊
5. As Devastated as an Earthquake
- Meaning: Used to describe crying as intense and overwhelming, much like the devastation caused by an earthquake.
- Example Sentences:
- Her emotions were as shattered as the ground after an earthquake upon hearing the news.
- “His tears fell as devastated as an earthquake, shaking him to the core.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As shattered as broken glass 💔
- As crushed as a fallen building 🏚️
- As wrecked as a ruined city 🌆
6. As Fragile as a Snowflake
- Meaning: Describes a person’s crying as delicate or easily broken, like the fragility of a snowflake.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her sobs were as fragile as a snowflake, barely audible yet deeply felt.”
- He wept as delicately as a snowflake, his tears barely grazing his cheeks.
Other Ways to Say:
- As delicate as a rose petal 🌹
- As tender as a baby’s breath 👶
- As soft as a cotton cloud ☁️
7. As Quiet as a Whisper
- Meaning: This simile reflects a soft, almost imperceptible crying, like the sound of a whisper.
- Example Sentences:
- Her crying was as faint as a whisper, barely audible in the silence of the night.
- “He cried as quiet as a whisper, too shy to make a sound.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gentle as a breeze 🌬️
- As hushed as a fading echo 📢
- As subtle as a breeze through the trees 🍃
8. As Powerful as a Tsunami
- Meaning: Represents overwhelming and uncontrollable crying, much like the devastating force of a tsunami.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her tears came as powerful as a tsunami, flooding her with emotions.”
- “His grief hit him as powerful as a tsunami, drowning him in sorrow.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As forceful as a hurricane 🌪️
- As strong as a tidal wave 🌊
- As mighty as a thunderstorm ⚡
9. As Uncontrollable as a Flood
- Meaning: Describes crying that is overwhelming and hard to stop, much like a flood.
- Example Sentences:
- She cried as wildly as a flood, unable to contain her emotions.
- His tears flowed as freely as a flood after hearing the tragic news.
Other Ways to Say:
- As relentless as a downpour 🌧️
- As unstoppable as a river in flood 🌊
- As boundless as an ocean 🌏
10. As Heavy as Lead
- Meaning: Used to describe the weight of crying, often in a way that it feels emotionally burdensome.
- Example Sentences:
- Her heart felt as weighty as lead after hearing the heartbreaking news.
- “His sobs were as heavy as lead, dragging him down with every breath.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As weighty as a stone 🪨
- As burdensome as an anchor ⚓
- As dense as a rock ⛰️
11. As Shattered as Glass
- Meaning: Describes the emotional state of someone who is crying, with their spirit or heart feeling broken into pieces.
- Example Sentences:
- Her heart felt as broken as glass after the painful breakup.
- “He looked as shattered as glass when he realized he had lost everything.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As fractured as a broken mirror 🪞
- As crushed as a fallen vase 🌸
- As fragmented as a puzzle piece 🧩
12. As Lonely as a Desert
- Meaning: Reflects the deep sense of isolation someone might feel when crying, similar to the emptiness of a desert.
- Example Sentences:
- Her tears were as lonely as a desert, falling silently in the night.
- He felt as isolated as a desert when he realized he was alone.
Other Ways to Say:
- As barren as an empty field 🌾
- As desolate as a forgotten island 🏝️
- As isolated as a mountain peak 🏔️
13. As Helpless as a Drowning Man
- Meaning: Depicts crying as a feeling of being overwhelmed and powerless, much like a person drowning.
- Example Sentences:
- “She felt as helpless as a drowning man, her emotions suffocating her.”
- “His sobs were as helpless as a drowning man, desperate for release.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As powerless as a trapped animal 🐾
- As weak as a leaf in the wind 🍂
- As lost as a ship without a sail ⛵
14. As Cold as an Iceberg
- Meaning: Describes the numb, distant feeling someone might experience when crying, as if frozen inside.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her emotions were as cold as an iceberg, her tears no longer offering relief.”
- He cried, but his heart felt as cold as an iceberg, incapable of feeling warmth.
Other Ways to Say:
- As frozen as a winter night ❄️
- As distant as a faraway star ✨
- As indifferent as a stone wall 🏰
15. As Bitter as Wormwood
- Meaning: Represents a deep, painful kind of crying, often associated with regret or sorrow.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her tears tasted as bitter as wormwood after she realized her mistake.”
- He cried as bitter as wormwood, with regret consuming him.
Other Ways to Say:
- As sour as a lemon 🍋
- As harsh as bitter coffee ☕
- As painful as a broken promise 💔
16. As Silent as a Graveyard
- Meaning: Used to describe crying that is quiet and serene, often linked to deep sadness or mourning.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her weeping was as silent as a graveyard, barely disturbing the stillness.”
- “He cried as silent as a graveyard, his emotions too deep for words.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As still as a churchyard ⛪
- As quiet as a sleeping village 🏡
- As hushed as a midnight prayer 🙏
17. As Violent as a Storm
- Meaning: Depicts intense, overwhelming crying, similar to the force and chaos of a violent storm.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her crying was as violent as a storm, her body shaking with every sob.”
- “He felt as violent as a storm inside, his emotions tearing him apart.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As wild as a tornado 🌪️
- As fierce as a hurricane 🌀
- As unpredictable as lightning ⚡
18. As Gentle as a Feather
- Meaning: Describes crying that is quiet, soft, and delicate.
- Example Sentences:
- Her tears were as delicate as a feather, softly falling on her cheeks.
- “He cried as gentle as a feather, his sobs barely audible in the silence.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As soft as a kitten’s purr 🐱
- As light as a snowflake ❄️
- As tender as a lullaby 🎶
19. As Long as a Summer’s Day
- Meaning: Depicts the feeling of time dragging when someone is crying for a long period.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her crying lasted as long as a summer’s day, with no end in sight.”
- He felt as though his grief lasted as long as a summer’s day.
Other Ways to Say:
- As endless as a night sky 🌙
- As timeless as a river’s flow 🌊
- As prolonged as an eternal wait ⏳
20. As Warm as a Hug
- Meaning: Describes tears that bring comfort, a release of emotion that feels healing and nurturing.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her tears were as warm as a hug, offering solace in her grief.”
- “He felt as warm as a hug as the tears rolled down his face, bringing unexpected comfort.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As comforting as a soft blanket 🛏️
- As soothing as a mother’s touch 🤱
- As tender as a kiss on the forehead 💋
21. As Restless as a River
- Meaning: Describes tears that come with a sense of constant motion or turmoil, much like a river’s flowing waters.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her crying was as restless as a river, her emotions never settling.”
- “His sobs were as restless as a river, sweeping through him without pause.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As turbulent as an ocean wave 🌊
- As constant as a waterfall 💦
- As unyielding as a mountain stream 🏞️
22. As Cold as a Stone
- Meaning: Describes the absence of warmth in someone’s crying, often signaling emotional detachment.
- Example Sentences:
- “His tears were as cold as a stone, devoid of any feeling or comfort.”
- She wept as cold as stone, her heart frozen by sorrow.
Other Ways to Say:
- As heartless as a glacier ❄️
- As distant as a forgotten memory 🧠
- As emotionless as a statue 🗿
23. As Long as Eternity
- Meaning: Represents an overwhelming sense of time when crying, as if the emotional pain will last forever.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her grief felt as long as eternity, never seeming to end.”
- “He cried as though time stretched as long as eternity, the sadness consuming him.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As infinite as the stars 🌟
- As boundless as the universe 🌌
- As enduring as a mountain ⛰️
24. As Hot as a Volcano
- Meaning: Describes crying that is filled with intense anger or frustration, often boiling over like lava from a volcano.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her anger and tears were as hot as a volcano, erupting uncontrollably.”
- “He cried as hot as a volcano, his frustration too strong to hold back.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As fiery as the sun ☀️
- As raging as a wildfire 🔥
- As explosive as dynamite 💥
25. As Quiet as a Mouse
- Meaning: Represents a very soft, subtle cry, like a mouse in the corner of a room.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her crying was as quiet as a mouse, so silent that no one noticed.”
- “He sobbed as quietly as a mouse, not wanting to disturb anyone around him.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gentle as a whisper 🗣️
- As soft as a cloud ☁️
- As peaceful as a sleeping baby 👶
26. As Dark as a Thunderstorm
- Meaning: Depicts crying that comes with intense sorrow or fear, akin to the ominous darkness of a thunderstorm.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her tears were as dark as a thunderstorm, full of unspoken fears and sadness.”
- He felt as dark as a thunderstorm, his emotions overshadowing everything around him.
Other Ways to Say:
- As gloomy as a rainy day 🌧️
- As bleak as an overcast sky 🌥️
- As heavy as a night without stars 🌌
27. As Soft as Silk
- Meaning: Describes crying that is quiet, delicate, and subtle, as soft as the smoothness of silk.
- Example Sentences:
- Her sobs were as soft as silk, almost inaudible in the stillness of the night.
- “His tears fell as soft as silk, brushing gently down his cheeks.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As smooth as velvet 🌸
- As gentle as a feather 🌾
- As quiet as a breeze 🍃
28. As Bright as a Shining Star
- Meaning: Represents crying that, while sad, contains a sense of hope or beauty, like a star in the night sky.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her tears shone as bright as a shining star, reflecting the glimmer of hope in her heart.”
- “He cried as bright as a shining star, knowing that things would eventually get better.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As radiant as the sun 🌞
- As dazzling as a diamond 💎
- As luminous as the moon 🌙
29. As Deep as the Ocean
- Meaning: Describes crying that is profound and unending, much like the vastness of the ocean.
- Example Sentences:
- Her sadness was as deep as the ocean, her emotions stretching on without end.
- “He cried as deep as the ocean, his grief impossible to put into words.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As boundless as the sky 🌌
- As infinite as the universe 🌠
- As endless as a river 🏞️
30. As Stiff as a Board
- Meaning: Depicts crying that comes with a feeling of emotional rigidity or numbness, where the person can’t move or express themselves.
- Example Sentences:
- “He was as stiff as a board, unable to break through the emotional barrier created by his tears.”
- “Her sorrow left her as stiff as a board, emotionally paralyzed by the pain.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As rigid as a statue 🗿
- As frozen as a glacier ❄️
- As immobile as a rock 🪨
31. As Slow as Molasses
- Meaning: Describes crying that is sluggish, with each tear falling slowly, like thick molasses.
- Example Sentences:
- Her tears fell as slowly as molasses, each drop a painful reminder of her sorrow.
- “He cried as slow as molasses, unable to hurry through the overwhelming grief.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as a rising tide 🌊
- As sluggish as a snail 🐌
- As lazy as a Sunday afternoon 🌞
32. As Hot as Lava
- Meaning: Represents crying that is intense, passionate, and accompanied by a strong emotional outpouring, like the heat of lava.
- Example Sentences:
- “His tears were as hot as lava, burning with rage and sorrow.”
- She cried as fiercely as lava, her emotions erupting uncontrollably
Other Ways to Say:
- As fiery as the sun 🔥
- As searing as a flame 🔥
- As boiling as a kettle 🍵
33. As Fragile as a Snowflake
- Meaning: Describes crying that is delicate, tender, and perhaps felt deeply, like the fragility of a snowflake.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her sobs were as fragile as a snowflake, soft and barely audible.”
- “He felt as fragile as a snowflake, his emotions threatening to break him apart.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As delicate as a petal 🌸
- As tender as a whisper 🦋
- As breakable as glass 🏺
34. As Red as a Tomato
- Meaning: Describes crying that comes with an emotional flush or embarrassment, like the red color of a tomato.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her face was as red as a tomato, tears streaming down with the shame of being caught.”
- “He cried as red as a tomato, overwhelmed by the embarrassment and frustration.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As flushed as a rose 🌹
- As rosy as a sunset 🌅
- As bright as a firetruck 🚒
35. As Silent as the Grave
- Meaning: Depicts crying that is incredibly quiet, almost silent, and perhaps emotionally heavy or haunting.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her cries were as silent as the grave, no sound but the occasional quiver of her breath.”
- “He sobbed as silent as the grave, his body shaking but no sound escaping his lips.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As quiet as a mouse 🐭
- As still as a shadow 🕴️
- As calm as a pond 🌊
Simile Practice Exercise
1. “Her tears flowed ____, as if the sadness was endless, reaching deep into her soul.”
(Choose a simile that emphasizes deep or unending emotion.)
2. “He sobbed ____, his voice trembling with rage and frustration.”
(Choose a simile that describes intensity and anger.)
3. “The crying was so quiet, it was ____, almost as if she was trying not to be heard.”
(Choose a simile that highlights silence.)
4. “His grief was as deep as the ocean, ____, pulling him under with every passing wave.”
(Choose a simile that conveys profound sadness.)
5. “She stood there, crying ____, unable to escape the feeling of overwhelming embarrassment.”
(Choose a simile that describes emotional shame or embarrassment.)
6. “Her sobs were as soft as silk, so delicate that they could barely be heard in the still room.”
(Choose a simile that suggests gentleness or softness.)
7. “His tears were falling ____ like a thunderstorm, each drop matching the fury in his heart.”
(Choose a simile that indicates an emotional outburst or intensity.)
8. “The tears streamed down her face ____ as if they were being burned by her own feelings of anger.”
(Choose a simile that suggests heat or intensity.)
9. “He felt as ____ as stone, numb and emotionless after hearing the terrible news.”
(Choose a simile that conveys emotional rigidity or numbness.)
10. “She cried ____ as her heart shattered from the weight of loss.”
(Choose a simile that emphasizes sadness or despair.)
