Similes are an important literary device used to make descriptions more vivid and relatable. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as” to highlight their similarities.
For example, “as hungry as simile as a wolf” uses the powerful image of a wolf to convey courage. These comparisons enhance storytelling, writing, and even casual conversations by making descriptions clearer and more engaging.
In this article, we will explore 35 creative and expressive similes for hunger—an emotion and state that we all experience.
Best Similes for Hungry
Similes for Personality Traits
1. As hungry as a bear
- Meaning: A very intense and strong hunger, often implying an overwhelming craving or desire.
- Example Sentences:
- “After the long hike, I was as hungry as a bear and devoured the whole pizza.”
- “He’s as hungry as a bear, always asking for food every hour.”
2. As hungry as a wolf
- Meaning: Implies a ferocious, primal hunger, often linked to survival instincts.
- Example Sentences:
- “She was as simile of hungry as a wolf after skipping lunch.”
- “The boy’s appetite was as hungry as a wolf, and he ate everything in sight.”
3. As hungry as a lion
- Meaning: Represents a strong and fierce hunger, like a predator on the hunt.
- Example Sentences:
- “The kids came home from school as hungry as lions, demanding snacks.”
- “He attacked the buffet as hungry as a lion, going back for seconds and thirds.”
4. As hungry as a horse
- Meaning: A large, hearty hunger, often associated with an active or hard-working person.
- Example Sentences:
- “After a long workout, I’m as hungry as what a horse and need a big meal.”
- “He’s always as hungry as a horse after a day of playing soccer.”
5. As hungry as a hippo
- Meaning: A more humorous and exaggerated hunger, often used to describe someone who eats a lot.
- Example Sentences:
- “She was as hungry as a hippo after spending the whole day at the beach.”
- “His appetite was as hungry as a hippo, finishing two sandwiches in one sitting.”
Similes for Emotions
6. As hungry as a man on a desert island
- Meaning: A desperate or intense hunger, especially after a long period without food.
- Example Sentences:
- “After the hike, I felt as hungry as a man on a desert island.”
- “He ate like a man on a desert island, unable to wait for the meal to finish cooking.”
7. As hungry as a ghost
- Meaning: A lingering, empty hunger, often used to describe hunger that feels endless.
- Example Sentences:
- “I was as hungry as a ghost after fasting all day.”
- “She stared at the plate, feeling as hungry as a ghost even though the food was right there.”
8. As hungry as a bottomless pit
- Meaning: A never-ending hunger, impossible to satisfy.
- Example Sentences:
- “That boy is as hungry as a bottomless pit—no matter how much he eats, he’s still hungry.”
- “Her hunger was as hungry as a bottomless pit, and she couldn’t stop eating.”
9. As hungry as a starving artist
- Meaning: A metaphor for someone whose hunger is a basic, almost obsessive need, often used in a creative or financial context.
- Example Sentences:
- “He worked through the night, as hungry as a starving artist, focused only on finishing his project.”
- “She painted with the passion of a starving artist, as hungry as one chasing their first taste of success.”
10. As hungry as a child on Christmas Eve
- Meaning: A deep sense of anticipation or craving, as seen in children awaiting their Christmas dinner.
- Example Sentences:
- “I was as hungry as a child on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting the big meal.”
- “His hunger was as hungry as a child on Christmas Eve, he couldn’t wait to eat.”
Similes for Physical Descriptions
11. As hungry as a furnace
- Meaning: A burning, constant hunger that seems unquenchable.
- Example Sentences:
- “After the hike, I felt as hungry as a furnace, my stomach growling non-stop.”
- “She was as hungry as a furnace after running the marathon.”
12. As hungry as a vacuum cleaner
- Meaning: A relentless hunger that consumes everything in its path, like a vacuum.
- Example Sentences:
- “He’s as hungry as a vacuum cleaner, inhaling every snack in sight.”
- “She was as hungry as a vacuum cleaner, sucking up all the food at the buffet.”
13. As hungry as a black hole
- Meaning: A hunger that seems endless and all-consuming, like a black hole that absorbs everything.
- Example Sentences:
- “He was as hungry as a black hole, his plate empty in minutes.”
- “She ate with the force of a black hole, leaving nothing behind.”
14. As hungry as a storm cloud
- Meaning: A hunger that builds and eventually releases, much like a storm cloud that unleashes rain.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her hunger was as hungry as a storm cloud, building up all day and finally erupting at dinner.”
- “He came home from work as hungry as a storm cloud, ready to devour anything in sight.”
15. As hungry as a wood-burning stove
- Meaning: A hunger that requires constant fueling, like a stove that needs to be fed regularly.
- Example Sentences:
- “She was as hungry as a wood-burning stove, always looking for something to eat.”
- “His hunger was as hungry as a wood-burning stove, consuming everything he could find.”
Similes for Abstract Concepts
16. As hungry as ambition
- Meaning: A hunger for success or achievement, unrelenting and motivating.
- Example Sentences:
- “He worked as hungry as ambition, determined to succeed no matter the cost.”
- “Her hunger for success was as hungry as ambition, always pushing her to strive for more.”
17. As hungry as a dreamer
- Meaning: A hunger for something unattainable, often symbolizing a desire to achieve a big, almost impossible dream.
- Example Sentences:
- “She was similes as hungry as a dreamer, chasing her goals relentlessly.”
- “His hunger for success was as hungry as a dreamer’s, always reaching for the stars.”
18. As hungry as opportunity
- Meaning: A hunger driven by the desire to seize the right moment or chance.
- Example Sentences:
- “Her hunger for growth was as hungry as opportunity, always on the lookout for new possibilities.”
- “He grabbed the chance as hungry as opportunity, determined not to let it slip away.”
19. As hungry as the future
- Meaning: A hunger driven by curiosity and the desire to know what comes next, often linked to ambition.
- Example Sentences:
- “His hunger for knowledge was as hungry as the future, always asking questions and seeking answers.”
- “She faced the unknown as hungry as the future, ready to take on whatever came next.”
20. As hungry as destiny
- Meaning: A hunger that seems fated, driven by the belief that something great awaits.
- Example Sentences:
- “She walked into the room as hungry as destiny, knowing her time had come.”
- “He seized the moment as hungry as destiny, believing it was his calling.”
Other Ways to Say “Hungry”
- As ravenous as a wolf 🐺
- As famished as a hiker on a long journey 🥾
- As peckish as a squirrel 🐿️
21. As hungry as a cheetah after a race
- Meaning: A fast, sudden hunger that emerges after an intense or demanding situation.
- Example Sentences:
- “After the intense workout, I was as hungry as a cheetah after a race, ready to devour anything.”
- “She ran the marathon and was as hungry as a cheetah after a race, craving energy-boosting snacks.”
22. As hungry as a volcano about to erupt
- Meaning: A fierce, unstoppable hunger that builds and finally bursts out.
- Example Sentences:
- “His hunger was as hungry as a volcano about to erupt, and he couldn’t wait to sit down for dinner.”
- “She was as hungry as a volcano about to erupt, desperate for food after working all day.”
23. As hungry as a garden in drought
- Meaning: A deep, parched hunger, needing sustenance like a plant in desperate need of water.
- Example Sentences:
- “After skipping breakfast, I was as hungry as a garden in drought by lunchtime.”
- “His hunger felt as hungry as a garden in drought, as if it had been neglected for days.”
24. As hungry as a bear before hibernation
- Meaning: A hunger that is preparing to stock up, usually associated with a need for a large meal before a long break.
- Example Sentences:
- “Before the long camping trip, I was as hungry as a bear before hibernation.”
- “He was as hungry as a bear before hibernation, eating everything he could find to prepare for the cold months.”
25. As hungry as a snowman in summer
- Meaning: A unique and playful simile, implying an unusual or unexpected hunger that comes at the wrong time.
- Example Sentences:
- “I felt as hungry as a snowman in summer, craving food even though it was too late for dinner.”
- “Her hunger was as hungry as a snowman in summer, unwelcome and intense at a time when she shouldn’t have been hungry.”
26. As hungry as an artist for inspiration
- Meaning: A hunger for creativity or a driving force that urges someone to create.
- Example Sentences:
- “He worked as hungry as an artist for inspiration, always searching for new ideas.”
- “She was as hungry as an artist for inspiration, her mind racing with possibilities.”
27. As hungry as a dreamer for success
- Meaning: A deep, consuming hunger driven by the desire to achieve something meaningful or to reach a goal.
- Example Sentences:
- “His hunger for success was as hungry as a dreamer for a big break.”
- “She chased her dreams as hungry as a dreamer for success, determined to make it happen.”
28. As hungry as a philosopher for truth
- Meaning: A thirst for knowledge or deep understanding, often in a quest for meaning.
- Example Sentences:
- “He was as hungry as a philosopher for truth, reading every book he could find.”
- “Her search for answers was as hungry as a philosopher for truth, questioning everything in her path.”
29. As hungry as a child for love
- Meaning: A deep emotional hunger, seeking affection or validation.
- Example Sentences:
- “His desire for affection was as hungry as a child for love, always longing for reassurance.”
- “She felt as hungry as a child for love, needing the comfort of her family.”
30. As hungry as a scientist for discovery
- Meaning: A hunger for understanding, driven by curiosity and a passion for learning.
- Example Sentences:
- “She was as hungry as a scientist for discovery, always searching for new knowledge.”
- “His passion for innovation made him as hungry as a scientist for discovery.”
Other Ways to Say “Hungry”
- As famished as a lion on a fast 🦁
- As starved as a desert cactus in heat 🌵
- As ravenous as a pack of wolves 🐺
31. As hungry as a shark in open water
- Meaning: A hunger that is aggressive, intense, and unrelenting, similar to a shark’s need for food.
- Example Sentences:
- “After fasting all day, I was as hungry as a shark in open water, ready to devour anything in sight.”
- “He came to the buffet as hungry as a shark in open water, eager to fill his plate with everything.”
32. As hungry as a fire after fuel
- Meaning: A hunger that quickly intensifies when given a trigger or source of satisfaction.
- Example Sentences:
- “The moment the smell of food hit him, he was as hungry as a fire after fuel.”
- “Her hunger flared up, as hungry as a fire after fuel, when she saw the delicious spread laid out before her.”
33. As hungry as a wolf at dusk
- Meaning: A primal, instinctive hunger that increases as the day progresses, usually when food is scarce.
- Example Sentences:
- “After a long day of work, I was as hungry as a wolf at dusk, ready to sink my teeth into anything.”
- “By evening, they were as hungry as a wolf at dusk, craving a hearty meal to replenish their energy.”
34. As hungry as a traveler lost in the desert
- Meaning: A deep, desperate hunger due to a lack of resources, much like a lost traveler in need of sustenance.
- Example Sentences:
- “After hours of hiking, I was as hungry as a traveler lost in the desert, longing for a drink and food.”
- “He felt as hungry as a traveler lost in the desert, exhausted and ready to collapse.”
35. As hungry as a teenager after school
- Meaning: A stereotype for teenagers’ seemingly endless hunger after a long day of classes.
- Example Sentences:
- “She was as hungry as a teenager after school, rummaging through the kitchen for a snack.”
- “After school, he was as hungry as a teenager after school, ready to eat everything in sight.”
As hungry as a simile
Meaning: Hungry simile compares intense hunger to a simile struggling to find the perfect comparison, emphasizing desperation and eagerness.
Example Sentences:
After a long day, I was as hungry as a simile searching for the perfect comparison—desperate and unsatisfied.
My stomach growled, as hungry as a simile struggling to find the right words.
Simile Practice Exercise: Hunger Edition
1. Fill in the Blank
Complete the following sentences with the correct simile from the list provided. Choose the one that best fits the context.
- After the long hike, I was as ___ as a ___, desperate for something to eat.
- Answer: (As hungry as a traveler lost in the desert)
- When she opened the fridge, she was as ___ as a ___, immediately reaching for leftovers.
- Answer: (As hungry as a teenager after school)
- After hours of intense work, I felt as ___ as a ___, needing energy to keep going.
- Answer: (As hungry as a bear before hibernation)
- The moment dinner was served, they were as ___ as a ___, devouring everything in sight.
- Answer: (As hungry as a shark in open water)
- Having skipped lunch, he was as ___ as a ___, ready to eat whatever was in front of him.
- Answer: (As hungry as a lion after a fast)
2. Match the Similes to Their Meanings
Match the following similes to their correct meanings.
- As hungry as a wolf at dusk
- As hungry as a fire after fuel
- As hungry as a cheetah after a race
- As hungry as a volcano about to erupt
- As hungry as a garden in drought
Meanings:
- A hunger that quickly builds and becomes intense.
- A hunger that is fierce and relentless after exertion.
- A deep, parched hunger that needs to be satisfied.
- A hunger that is sudden and overwhelming, like a burst.
- A hunger that is aggressive and unrelenting.
Answer Key:
- As hungry as a wolf at dusk → (A hunger that is aggressive and unrelenting)
- As hungry as a fire after fuel → (A hunger that quickly builds and becomes intense)
- As hungry as a cheetah after a race → (A hunger after exertion)
- As hungry as a volcano about to erupt → (A sudden, overwhelming hunger)
- As hungry as a garden in drought → (A deep, parched hunger)
3. Create Your Own Simile
Think of a time when you were particularly hungry or wanted something desperately. Now, create a simile that best describes your hunger.
Example:
- “I was as hungry as a lion on a hot summer day, craving food after hours of being on the move.”
Now, create your own using one of the following prompts:
- How do you feel when you haven’t eaten for hours?
- How does your hunger feel after intense physical activity?
- What would your hunger look like if you were anticipating a big feast?
4. Reflect and Write
Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing a scene where you’re extremely hungry. Use at least three different similes from this article in your paragraph. Try to vary the similes to express the progression of hunger, from the first signs to full-on desperation.
Example:
- “By the time I got home, my stomach was growling as hungry as a lion after a long hunt. It was as hungry as a bear before hibernation, and I couldn’t wait to eat. I devoured my meal as hungry as a cheetah after a race, barely stopping to take a breath.”
5. Simile Reflection
Reflect on how you can incorporate similes into your daily conversations. Write a few sentences where you might use a simile to express hunger or other feelings in casual conversations.
Example:
- “I was so hungry, I felt like a wolf after a long day in the wild!”
- “After missing breakfast, my stomach was as empty as a desert.”
Bonus: Simile Quiz Challenge
Here are 3 tricky sentences. Choose the right simile for each:
- “His hunger hit him suddenly after the gym workout.”
A) As hungry as a volcano about to erupt
B) As hungry as a philosopher for truth
C) As hungry as a snowman in summer - “After fasting all day, I needed food as quickly as possible.”
A) As hungry as a fire after fuel
B) As hungry as a shark in open water
C) As hungry as a garden in drought - “She hadn’t eaten all morning and was starving.”
A) As hungry as a bear before hibernation
B) As hungry as a wolf at dusk
C) As hungry as a cheetah after a race
Answer Key:
- A) As hungry as a volcano about to erupt
- A) As hungry as a fire after fuel
- A) As hungry as a bear before hibernation
Conclusion
This exercise helps you engage with similes in practical ways, applying them to real-life situations and creative writing. By practicing with these quizzes, fill-in-the-blanks, and reflection activities, you’ll become more comfortable using similes effectively to express emotions and actions, especially hunger!
