Similes are a wonderful tool to make language more colorful, vivid, and relatable. They help express ideas more effectively, turning ordinary descriptions into engaging ones.
When describing someone or something that moves or progresses slowly, similes can provide a clearer, more striking image.
In this article, we’ll explore 33 different similes for “slow” and how you can use them to enrich your language.
Let’s dive into some fun and creative ways to describe slowness!
Similes for Physical Slowness
1. As slow as molasses
Meaning: Describes something moving at an extremely slow pace.
Example Sentences:
- “The traffic was as slow as molasses, and we were stuck in the same spot for over an hour.”
- “She walks as slow as molasses, always taking her time to enjoy every step.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a tortoise 🐢
- As slow as a snail 🐌
- As gradual as the tide 🌊
2. As slow as a snail
Meaning: Refers to something moving with extreme slowness, similar to a snail’s pace.
Example Sentences:
- “The line at the coffee shop was as slow as a snail, taking forever to get my order.”
- “He was as slow as a snail in finishing the race, coming in last place by a mile.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a sloth 🦥
- As leisurely as a Sunday afternoon 🌞
- As gradual as a glacier ❄️
3. As slow as a tortoise
Meaning: Refers to something that moves at a slow, steady pace, like a tortoise.
Example Sentences:
- “The bus was as slow as a tortoise, taking forever to reach my stop.”
- “He worked as slow as a tortoise, carefully checking every detail in the report.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As steady as a snail 🐌
- As deliberate as a glacier ❄️
- As ponderous as an elephant 🐘
4. As slow as honey dripping
Meaning: Describes something moving at a very slow pace, similar to the slow flow of honey.
Example Sentences:
- “The line at the bank was as slow as honey dripping, and I was getting impatient.”
- “He completed the task as slow as honey dripping, savoring each moment of his work.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as honey 🍯
- As steady as maple syrup 🍁
- As long as molasses 🍯
5. As slow as a dial-up connection
Meaning: Refers to something moving with a painfully slow pace, like old internet connections.
Example Sentences:
- “The internet was as slow as a dial-up connection, taking forever to load a webpage.”
- “Downloading files felt as slow as a dial-up connection, frustrating everyone in the office.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a computer 💻
- As delayed as a slow server 🌐
- As lazy as a buffering video 🎬
Similes for Time-Related Slowness
6. As slow as the hands of a clock
Meaning: Describes time moving at a very slow pace, like watching the hands on a clock.
Example Sentences:
- “The minutes passed as slow as the hands of a clock during the long wait for the bus.”
- “The day felt as slow as the hands of a clock, and I couldn’t wait for it to end.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a late morning 🌅
- As long as a ticking second hand ⏱️
- As drawn-out as a deadline 📅
7. As slow as an old movie reel
Meaning: Refers to something or someone that progresses slowly, like an old film projector.
Example Sentences:
- “The project was as slow as an old movie reel, and it felt like we’d never meet the deadline.”
- “The conversation dragged on as slow as an old movie reel, with every word taking forever.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a long-winded speech 🗣️
- As drawn-out as a film 🎥
- As deliberate as a slow-motion video 🎬
8. As slow as a snail’s pace
Meaning: Very similar to the “snail” simile, emphasizing an extremely slow movement.
Example Sentences:
- “She walked as slow as a snail’s pace, taking in every sight along the way.”
- “The conversation moved as slow as a snail’s pace, with no one able to make a point.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As slow as molasses 🍯
- As deliberate as a sloth 🦥
- As lazy as a Sunday morning 🌞
9. As slow as a glacier
Meaning: Describes something that progresses at an incredibly slow pace, much like a glacier moving.
Example Sentences:
- “The project was as slow as a glacier, and we were nowhere near completing it.”
- “His progress was as slow as a glacier, taking forever to get the work done.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a frozen river ❄️
- As deliberate as a tortoise 🐢
- As gradual as a mountain 🏔️
Similes for Emotional or Mental Slowness
10. As slow as a thought after waking up
Meaning: Describes someone’s thinking process being slow or delayed, especially in the morning.
Example Sentences:
- “His reaction was as slow as a thought after waking up, not fully processing the situation.”
- “The decision-making was as slow as a thought after waking up, with no quick responses.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as an early morning brain 🧠
- As delayed as a sleepy mind 😴
- As foggy as a groggy morning 🌫️
11. As slow as a car on a traffic jam
Meaning: Describes a process or movement that’s frustratingly slow, like being stuck in heavy traffic.
Example Sentences:
- “The email response time was as slow as a car on a traffic jam, and I had to wait days for a reply.”
- “The line at the bank moved as slow as a car on a traffic jam, and I was losing patience.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As delayed as a gridlock 🚗
- As stuck as a bumper-to-bumper car 🚙
- As halted as traffic on the freeway 🚓
12. As slow as a tortoise crossing the road
Meaning: Describes something moving at a painfully slow pace, similar to a tortoise crossing a road.
Example Sentences:
- “The meeting was as slow as a tortoise crossing the road, with no decisions being made.”
- “Her typing was as slow as a tortoise crossing the road, taking forever to finish the report.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a snail on the sidewalk 🐌
- As drawn-out as a long queue ⏳
- As delayed as a slow pedestrian 🚶
13. As slow as the sunset
Meaning: Refers to something that seems to take its time, much like the slow and beautiful process of a sunset.
Example Sentences:
- “The day seemed as slow as the sunset, with each hour dragging on forever.”
- “His responses were as slow as the sunset, as if he were deep in thought.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as the twilight 🌅
- As lingering as dusk 🌇
- As steady as the fading light 🌞
14. As slow as a clock winding down
Meaning: Describes something that is gradually coming to an end at a very slow pace.
Example Sentences:
- “The project’s progress was as slow as a clock winding down, with the deadline fast approaching.”
- “Her energy was as slow as a clock winding down, and she struggled to stay awake.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As deliberate as a winding hourglass ⏳
- As sluggish as a dying battery 🔋
- As dragging as a final countdown ⏰
15. As slow as a sleepy cat
Meaning: Refers to someone or something moving very slowly, as if in a lazy or tired state.
Example Sentences:
- “The morning started as slow as a sleepy cat, with no motivation to get out of bed.”
- “His reaction to the news was as slow as a sleepy cat, barely acknowledging it.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a morning coffee ☕
- As lazy as a napping dog 🐕
- As delayed as a lazy Sunday 💤
16. As slow as a river in winter
Meaning: Describes a process that is slow and barely moving, like a river frozen or slowed by winter conditions.
Example Sentences:
- “The negotiations were as slow as a river in winter, with no breakthroughs in sight.”
- “Her decision-making was as slow as a river in winter, not wanting to make a hasty choice.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as a frozen lake 🏞️
- As sluggish as an ice-covered stream ❄️
- As delayed as a winter thaw 🌨️
17. As slow as a falling leaf
Meaning: Describes something or someone moving slowly, similar to how a leaf falls gently to the ground.
Example Sentences:
- “The project was moving as slow as a falling leaf, with little progress made.”
- “The time felt as slow as a falling leaf, each second taking forever.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as autumn leaves 🍂
- As leisurely as a breeze 🌬️
- As steady as a drifting feather 🪶
18. As slow as a moonrise
Meaning: Refers to something that progresses slowly, like the gradual rise of the moon.
Example Sentences:
- “The discussion moved as slow as a moonrise, with no one rushing to speak.”
- “His mood shifted as slow as a moonrise, gradually getting better as the evening went on.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as dusk falling 🌙
- As steady as a rising tide 🌊
- As delayed as twilight 🌜
19. As slow as a patch of fog
Meaning: Describes something that is difficult to move through or understand, progressing slowly.
Example Sentences:
- “The communication was as slow as a patch of fog, unclear and hard to follow.”
- “His thoughts were as slow as a patch of fog, unsure of how to proceed.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As thick as a winter fog 🌫️
- As sluggish as a cloudy day ☁️
- As hazy as a morning mist 🌁
20. As slow as a horse in the mud
Meaning: Describes something moving sluggishly, much like a horse struggling in thick mud.
Example Sentences:
- “The car was as slow as a horse in the mud, barely moving on the slippery road.”
- “The meeting was as slow as a horse in the mud, stuck on the same topic for too long.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As stuck as a car in snow 🚙
- As dragged-out as quicksand 🏖️
- As delayed as a bogged vehicle 🚗
21. As slow as a person with no coffee
Meaning: Describes someone who is sluggish or lethargic, especially when they’re not energized.
Example Sentences:
- “I was as slow as a person with no coffee this morning, struggling to wake up.”
- “Her thoughts were as slow as a person with no coffee, and she couldn’t focus on the task at hand.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a sleepyhead 😴
- As tired as a morning without caffeine ☕
- As delayed as an early morning 🌅
22. As slow as a puddle drying in the sun
Meaning: Describes something taking its time or progressing with little noticeable movement, much like a puddle drying slowly.
Example Sentences:
- “The project moved as slow as a puddle drying in the sun, barely progressing each day.”
- “The room felt as slow as a puddle drying in the sun, with no excitement.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as the morning dew fading 🌾
- As lazy as a summer afternoon 🌞
- As steady as a drying leaf 🍃
23. As slow as a turtle on a hot day
Meaning: Refers to something or someone that is moving particularly slowly, like a turtle struggling in heat.
Example Sentences:
- “The waiting time was as slow as a turtle on a hot day, making everyone restless.”
- “He worked as slow as a turtle on a hot day, sweating over every task.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a lazy reptile 🐢
- As deliberate as a slow-motion scene 🎥
- As lethargic as a tired creature 🦥
24. As slow as a book with no chapters
Meaning: Describes something that takes an eternity to move forward or complete, like a book without structure.
Example Sentences:
- “The workday was as slow as a book with no chapters, dragging on endlessly.”
- “The novel felt as slow as a book with no chapters, with no clear direction in the plot.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As drawn-out as a never-ending story 📖
- As deliberate as a detailed manuscript 📝
- As laborious as a lengthy novel 📚
25. As slow as a tree growing
Meaning: Refers to something that progresses slowly, much like the gradual growth of a tree.
Example Sentences:
- “Her progress was as slow as a tree growing, with little improvement each day.”
- “The negotiations moved as slow as a tree growing, with little development.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As steady as a growing sapling 🌱
- As gradual as the rise of a forest 🌳
- As deliberate as the change of seasons 🍂
26. As slow as a sluggish river
Meaning: Describes something or someone moving at a very slow pace, like a lazy, sluggish river.
Example Sentences:
- “The process was as slow as a sluggish river, making it impossible to meet the deadline.”
- “His movements were as slow as a sluggish river, and it seemed like he was in no rush.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lazy as a calm stream 🌊
- As delayed as a winding river 🏞️
- As steady as a pond 🌅
27. As slow as a glacier moving
Meaning: Describes something progressing at an extremely slow pace, similar to how a glacier moves.
Example Sentences:
- “The approval process was as slow as a glacier moving, taking weeks to finalize a decision.”
- “The construction was as slow as a glacier moving, and it felt like it would never be finished.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As steady as a creeping tide 🌊
- As drawn-out as a frozen lake ❄️
- As sluggish as ice melting 🧊
28. As slow as a sleepy sloth
Meaning: Refers to someone or something moving with extreme laziness, much like a sloth.
Example Sentences:
- “His response was as slow as a sleepy sloth, barely acknowledging the question.”
- “The morning routine was as slow as a sleepy sloth, taking forever to get ready.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lethargic as a napping bear 🐻
- As sluggish as a tired turtle 🐢
- As lazy as a hibernating animal 🦥
29. As slow as a tortoise with a heavy shell
Meaning: Describes something or someone who is struggling to move forward due to a burden, much like a tortoise with a heavy shell.
Example Sentences:
- “The process was as slow as a tortoise with a heavy shell, hindered by constant delays.”
- “His work pace was as slow as a tortoise with a heavy shell, weighed down by distractions.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As burdened as a donkey carrying sacks 🐴
- As delayed as a slow-moving caravan 🏜️
- As dragged-out as a weary traveler 🎒
30. As slow as a frozen pond thawing
Meaning: Describes something that takes a long time to change or move forward, much like a frozen pond slowly thawing.
Example Sentences:
- “The decision-making process was as slow as a frozen pond thawing, with no urgency to finalize anything.”
- “Her movements were as slow as a frozen pond thawing, barely making progress.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as ice melting 🧊
- As steady as a cold breeze ❄️
- As lingering as winter’s end 🌨️
31. As slow as a shadow stretching at dusk
Meaning: Describes something or someone that takes its time, moving slowly like the shadow lengthening at sunset.
Example Sentences:
- “The afternoon felt as slow as a shadow stretching at dusk, the hours dragging on endlessly.”
- “His responses were as slow as a shadow stretching at dusk, making it difficult to have a quick conversation.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lingering as the fading sun 🌅
- As delayed as evening’s arrival 🌇
- As gradual as twilight deepening 🌙
32. As slow as a sand dune shifting
Meaning: Describes something moving slowly over time, like the slow shift of a sand dune in the desert.
Example Sentences:
- “The project’s progress was as slow as a sand dune shifting, with every step taking forever.”
- “His approach to the issue was as slow as a sand dune shifting, showing little urgency.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as the windblown sands 🌵
- As drawn-out as a desert breeze 🌬️
- As steady as a shifting coastline 🏖️
33. As slow as paint drying on a canvas
Meaning: Refers to something progressing at an excruciatingly slow pace, much like watching paint dry.
Example Sentences:
- “The meeting went as slow as paint drying on a canvas, with no new information being shared.”
- “The process was as slow as paint drying on a canvas, each decision taking too long.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As drawn-out as a slow brushstroke 🎨
- As deliberate as a painter’s touch 🖌️
- As lingering as an artist’s pause 🖼️
Simile Practice Exercise
Part 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the similes by filling in the missing words.
- As slow as a ______ (animal known for moving very slowly).
- As slow as ______ dripping from a tree.
- As slow as a ______ climbing up a wall.
- As slow as a ______ in winter.
- As slow as a ______ crossing the road.
Part 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer to complete each simile.
- He walked as slow as ______.
a) A running cheetah
b) A lazy turtle
c) A racing horse - The internet speed was as slow as ______.
a) A lightning bolt
b) A snail’s pace
c) A rocket launch - The old car moved as slow as ______.
a) A flowing river
b) A sleepy sloth
c) A strong wind - His reaction was as slow as ______.
a) Honey pouring from a jar
b) A firework explosion
c) A speeding train - The movie’s plot was as slow as ______.
a) Watching paint dry
b) A rollercoaster ride
c) A blink of an eye
Answers:
a) Watching paint dry
Snail
Sap
Sloth
Molasses
Tortoise
b) A lazy turtle
b) A snail’s pace
b) A sleepy sloth
a) Honey pouring from a jar
Conclusion
Similes for “slow” help us create vivid imagery in our writing, making descriptions more engaging and relatable. If comparing something to a snail, molasses, or watching paint dry, these expressions effectively emphasize sluggishness.
By practicing and recognizing these similes, you can enhance your writing and communication skills, making your descriptions more expressive and memorable.
Keep exploring and using similes to bring your words to life! 🚀
