Waiting is an experience everyone can relate to. It can range from a few minutes to several hours, and often feels like time slows down.
If you’re waiting for a call, a package, or an important event to start, using similes helps communicate how long or tedious the wait feels.
Similes bring the concept of waiting to life by comparing it to something tangible, making your experience more relatable and vivid.
This article will explore 45 similes for waiting, ranging from the impatient to the calm, to the bored and excited.
Similes for Waiting with Impatience
1. As slow as molasses
Meaning: Refers to something that is moving very slowly, often making the wait feel agonizing.
Example Sentences:
- “The line moved as slow as molasses, and I couldn’t help but fidget.”
- “Waiting for the bus felt as slow as molasses—it seemed like it would never arrive.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a snail 🐌
- As slow as a sloth 🦥
- As lazy as a cat on a hot day 🐱
2. As long as a year
Meaning: Describes a wait that feels endless, with time seemingly dragging.
Example Sentences:
- “The wait for my results felt as long as a year, even though it was only a few hours.”
- “Each minute felt as long as a year as I waited for the decision to come through.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As endless as the ocean 🌊
- As long as a lifetime ⏳
- As eternal as a desert 🏜️
3. As tedious as watching paint dry
Meaning: Refers to something extremely boring and unexciting.
Example Sentences:
- “The wait was as tedious as watching paint dry, and I could hardly keep my eyes open.”
- “I looked at the clock, and the wait was as tedious as watching paint dry.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dull as dishwater 🍽️
- As boring as a phone book 📚
- As monotonous as a ticking clock 🕰️
4. As frustrating as a locked door
Meaning: Describes the feeling of being unable to progress while waiting.
Example Sentences:
- Waiting for my internet to reconnect was as frustrating as a locked door.
- “The silence from the team was as frustrating as a locked door—why wasn’t anyone answering?”
Other Ways to Say:
- As irritating as a mosquito 🦟
- As maddening as a broken pencil ✏️
- As annoying as a crying baby 👶
5. As endless as a waiting game
Meaning: Describes a situation where the wait feels like it will never end, leaving you uncertain.
Example Sentences:
- “The wait for the interview results was as endless as a waiting game.”
- “The endless questions felt as endless as a waiting game.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As long as a journey without a map 🗺️
- As relentless as the tides 🌊
- As long as a cloud on a hot day ☁️
Similes for Waiting in Anticipation
6. As eager as a dog at dinnertime
Meaning: Describes someone who is excited and ready to get to the event or moment they’re waiting for.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited for the concert to start as eager as a dog at dinnertime.”
- “I was as eager as a dog at dinnertime for the weekend to arrive.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As excited as a kid on Christmas morning 🎄
- As hungry as a wolf 🐺
- As keen as a beaver 🦫
7. As anxious as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs
Meaning: Describes someone who is nervously anticipating what will happen next.
Example Sentences:
- “He was as anxious as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, not knowing what to expect.”
- “I was as anxious as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, waiting for my turn.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As nervous as a mouse in a lion’s den 🐭🦁
- As jumpy as a rabbit 🐇
- As restless as a windblown leaf 🍂
8. As excited as a child on their birthday
Meaning: Describes a feeling of eager anticipation and excitement.
Example Sentences:
- “I was as excited as a child on their birthday when I got the invite to the event.”
- “He was as excited as a child on their birthday, waiting for his new toy.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As thrilled as a rollercoaster rider 🎢
- As happy as a kid in a candy store 🍬
- As gleeful as a puppy 🐶
Similes for Waiting Calmly
9. As patient as a monk
Meaning: Refers to someone who is composed and calm, waiting without getting frustrated.
Example Sentences:
- “She waited as patient as a monk, calmly sitting without showing any signs of restlessness.”
- “He was as patient as a monk while waiting for the bus to arrive.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As calm as a still lake 🌅
- As serene as a sunset 🌇
- As peaceful as a garden 🌻
10. As calm as a breeze
Meaning: Describes someone who remains untroubled and at ease while waiting.
Example Sentences:
- “She waited as calm as a breeze, unaffected by the long delay.”
- “He waited as calm as a breeze, fully relaxed and not in a rush.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As tranquil as a pond 🏞️
- As still as a mountain 🏔️
- As quiet as the night 🌙
11. As steady as a clock
Meaning: Describes someone who waits reliably, without losing focus or composure.
Example Sentences:
- “Her patience was as steady as a clock, ticking away as she waited for the news.”
- “He sat there as steady as a clock, waiting for the final decision without fidgeting.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As reliable as a sunrise 🌅
- As constant as the stars ⭐
- As unshakable as a mountain 🏔️
Similes for Waiting in Boredom
12. As dull as a rainy afternoon
Meaning: Refers to a wait that feels boring and uneventful.
Example Sentences:
- “The afternoon felt as dull as a rainy day, with nothing to do but stare at the clock.”
- “The wait was as dull as a rainy afternoon, and time seemed to drag endlessly.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As boring as a lecture 🎤
- As uneventful as a cloudy day ☁️
- As lifeless as a desert 🏜️
13. As uneventful as a train station at midnight
Meaning: Describes a waiting period with no action or excitement.
Example Sentences:
- “The wait at the station was as uneventful as a train station at midnight.”
- “The evening felt as uneventful as a train station at midnight—silent and still.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As quiet as a ghost town 👻
- As empty as a silent street 🚶♀️
- As dull as a windless night 🌙
14. As long as an endless road
Meaning: Describes the feeling that waiting feels like an endless journey with no destination in sight.
Example Sentences:
- “The minutes felt as long as an endless road as I waited for the call.”
- “The wait for the train seemed as long as an endless road.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lengthy as a marathon 🏃♂️
- As long as a never-ending tunnel 🚇
- As prolonged as an eternal sunset 🌅
15. As unchanging as a painting on a wall
Meaning: Describes a wait that feels static, with nothing to interrupt or alter the passage of time.
Example Sentences:
- “The silence in the room was as unchanging as a painting on a wall—nothing moved.”
- “The wait felt as unchanging as a painting on a wall, each second dragging along without any excitement.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As motionless as a statue 🗿
- As still as a photograph 📸
- As fixed as a mountain 🏔️
16. As dull as a broken pencil
Meaning: Refers to something so boring that it has no point or excitement.
Example Sentences:
- “The afternoon felt as dull as a broken pencil, with no one to talk to.”
- “My wait was as dull as a broken pencil—no activity, no distraction.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As boring as a nap 🛏️
- As dreary as a foggy morning 🌫️
- As bland as plain toast 🍞
Similes for Waiting in Hopeful Anticipation
17. As hopeful as a seed waiting to bloom
Meaning: Describes waiting with optimism, expecting something wonderful to happen soon.
Example Sentences:
- “She waited as hopeful as a seed waiting to bloom, eager for her chance to speak.”
- “The crowd stood as hopeful as a seed waiting to bloom, waiting for the concert to begin.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As eager as a flower towards the sun 🌸
- As optimistic as a sky after the storm 🌤️
- As trusting as a puppy waiting for a treat 🐶
18. As expectant as a bride at the altar
Meaning: Describes a wait filled with high hopes and the anticipation of something life-changing.
Example Sentences:
- “She stood there as expectant as a bride at the altar, waiting for the proposal.”
- “I waited as expectant as a bride at the altar, hoping for a positive outcome.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As eager as a child waiting for Christmas 🎄
- As anticipatory as a countdown to midnight 🕛
- As joyful as a couple expecting their first child 👶
Similes for Waiting in Uncertainty
19. As uncertain as a boat in a storm
Meaning: Describes a feeling of waiting without knowing what will happen next, filled with doubt and unpredictability.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited as uncertain as a boat in a storm, unsure of how the day would turn out.”
- “The wait was as uncertain as a boat in a storm—no one knew what was going to happen.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As unpredictable as the weather 🌦️
- As anxious as a leaf in the wind 🍃
- As hesitant as a deer in headlights 🦌
20. As lost as a needle in a haystack
Meaning: Describes the feeling of waiting without any idea of what the outcome will be, feeling lost and overwhelmed.
Example Sentences:
- “I waited as lost as a needle in a haystack, trying to figure out what would happen next.”
- “Her hope for a response felt as lost as a needle in a haystack.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As confused as a child at a magic show 🎩
- As uncertain as a traveler without a map 🗺️
- As overwhelmed as a cat in a room full of dogs 🐱🐕
Similes for Waiting in the Calm of the Moment
21. As serene as a still pond
Meaning: Describes a calm and peaceful wait, free from any anxiety or worry.
Example Sentences:
- “She waited as serene as a still pond, enjoying the quietness of the moment.”
- “His mind was as serene as a still pond as he waited for the sunrise.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As peaceful as a quiet garden 🌻
- As calm as a sleeping baby 👶
- As still as a calm morning 🌅
22. As gentle as a summer breeze
Meaning: Refers to a wait that feels relaxed and effortless, without any hurry.
Example Sentences:
- “The wait for the announcement was as gentle as a summer breeze, just letting the time pass slowly.”
- “He waited as gentle as a summer breeze, feeling no pressure or anxiety.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As soft as a cotton cloud ☁️
- As soothing as the sound of rain 🌧️
- As mild as a warm autumn day 🍂
23. As quiet as a whispering wind
Meaning: Describes a calm and peaceful period of waiting, where everything feels undisturbed.
Example Sentences:
- “The room was as quiet as a whispering wind, and I waited in perfect stillness.”
- “His thoughts were as quiet as a whispering wind, just focusing on the peaceful moment of waiting.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As silent as the night 🌙
- As calm as a quiet forest 🌲
- As peaceful as a slow river 🏞️
Similes for Waiting in Suspense
24. As tense as a coiled spring
Meaning: Refers to a wait full of anticipation, where the tension builds and you feel ready to explode.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited as tense as a coiled spring, barely able to sit still in his seat.”
- “The air was as tense as a coiled spring during the final seconds of the match.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As anxious as a cat at a dog park 🐱🐶
- As nervous as a first-day student 🎒
- As wired as a live electrical wire ⚡
25. As sharp as a razor blade
Meaning: Describes a waiting experience that is filled with intense focus and awareness, often feeling very sharp or edgy.
Example Sentences:
- “Her attention was as sharp as a razor blade while waiting for her cue on stage.”
- “The suspense was as sharp as a razor blade, every second feeling like it could cut through the air.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As alert as an owl in the dark 🦉
- As edgy as a knife’s edge 🔪
- As clear as a hawk’s gaze 🦅
Similes for Waiting in Desperation
26. As desperate as a drowning man
Meaning: Refers to a feeling of hopelessness while waiting, as if you’re just waiting for something to save you from despair.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited as desperate as a drowning man, unsure if he’d be rescued in time.”
- “The more I waited, the more desperate I became, like a drowning man trying to reach the shore.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As frantic as a bird trapped in a cage 🦜
- As panicked as a runner with no finish line 🏃
- As helpless as a leaf in a storm 🍂
27. As useless as a screen door on a submarine
Meaning: Describes a waiting experience that feels completely futile, as if it serves no purpose.
Example Sentences:
- “The wait was as useless as a screen door on a submarine—nothing was happening.”
- “He waited as useless as a screen door on a submarine, knowing his chances were slim.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As pointless as a broken compass 🧭
- As futile as waiting for rain in the desert 🌵
- As ineffective as a chocolate teapot 🍫
Similes for Waiting in Joyful Expectation
28. As eager as a dog with a new bone
Meaning: Describes a wait filled with excitement and anticipation, as if you’re waiting for something enjoyable.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited as eager as a dog with a new bone, eager for his turn.”
- “She sat as eager as a dog with a new bone, waiting for her favorite show to start.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As excited as a kid in a candy store 🍬
- As thrilled as a bird on a clear day 🕊️
- As ready as a surfer catching a wave 🌊
29. As hopeful as a fisherman waiting for a bite
Meaning: Describes a wait filled with optimism, as if you’re confident that something good is about to happen.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited as hopeful as a fisherman waiting for a bite, knowing his efforts would soon be rewarded.”
- “Her patience was as hopeful as a fisherman waiting for a bite on a calm morning.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As optimistic as a gardener watching seeds sprout 🌱
- As confident as a boxer waiting for the bell 🥊
- As expectant as a chef waiting for a perfect soufflé 🍰
Similes for Waiting in Regret or Reflection
30. As remorseful as a child who broke a favorite toy
Meaning: Describes a wait filled with regret, as if you’re reflecting on a mistake or lost opportunity.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited as remorseful as a child who broke a favorite toy, wishing he could turn back time.”
- She sat as remorseful as a child who broke a favorite toy, feeling guilty about her actions.
Other Ways to Say:
- As regretful as a gambler who lost everything 🎰
- As sorrowful as a flower wilting in the sun 🌺
- As melancholic as an old photograph 📷
Similes for Waiting in Suspense
31. As still as a statue
Meaning: Describes the state of waiting where you are motionless, often out of anticipation or fear.
Example Sentences:
- “She waited as still as a statue, afraid to move in case she missed something important.”
- “The crowd stood as still as a statue during the intense silence before the announcement.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As quiet as a mouse in a library 🐭
- As motionless as a tree in winter 🌳
- As calm as a lake at dawn 🌅
32. As slow as molasses
Meaning: Refers to waiting for something that seems to move at a very slow pace, often annoyingly so.
Example Sentences:
- “The minutes passed as slow as molasses during the exam.”
- “The traffic moved as slow as molasses, and she could feel the delay growing more frustrating.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a snail 🐌
- As lazy as a sloth 🦥
- As delayed as a late train 🚆
Similes for Waiting in Doubt
33. As uncertain as a cloud in the wind
Meaning: Describes a feeling of waiting without knowing the outcome, as if things are up in the air.
Example Sentences:
- “He waited as uncertain as a cloud in the wind, unsure of what would come next.”
- “Her future hung in the balance, as uncertain as a cloud in the wind.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As ambiguous as a foggy morning 🌫️
- As unpredictable as a dice roll 🎲
- As unsure as a child without a map 🧭
34. As quiet as a library
Meaning: Refers to a wait that is peaceful or serene, filled with stillness and silence.
Example Sentences:
- “The room was as quiet as a library, every person waiting in anticipation.”
- “She sat as quiet as a library, absorbing every word of the speaker.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As peaceful as a zen garden 🌿
- As calm as a pond at dusk 🦆
- As serene as a sleeping baby 👶
Similes for Waiting in Overwhelm
35. As heavy as a mountain
Meaning: Describes the emotional burden or mental weight that comes with waiting, especially when the situation feels overwhelming.
Example Sentences:
- “The wait for the results felt as heavy as a mountain, each moment dragging on.”
- “Her heart was as heavy as a mountain as she waited for the news she feared.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As weighty as a boulder 🪨
- As tough as carrying a heavy load 🏋️♂️
- As daunting as an uphill climb 🧗♀️
Simile Practice Exercise
Complete the Sentence:
- I am as brave as a __________.
Answer: Lion
Explanation: Lions are known for their courage, making this simile suggest bravery. - She is as quick as a __________.
Answer: Cheetah
Explanation: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, making this a perfect comparison for speed. - His jokes are as dry as __________.
Answer: A desert
Explanation: Dry humor is subtle and often emotionless, just like the dryness of a desert. - The team worked as __________ as a beehive.
Answer: Busy
Explanation: Beehives are highly active and industrious, making this simile ideal for teamwork. - The child’s laughter was as pure as __________.
Answer: Snow
Explanation: Fresh snow is seen as clean and untouched, symbolizing purity. - Her smile is as bright as __________.
Answer: The sun
Explanation: The sun’s brightness makes it a fitting comparison for something radiant and cheerful. - His voice is as smooth as __________.
Answer: Silk
Explanation: Silk is soft and smooth, making it a fitting metaphor for a pleasant voice. - She was as stubborn as a __________.
Answer: Mule
Explanation: Mules are known for their strong-willed and stubborn nature. - The storm was as fierce as __________.
Answer: A lion
Explanation: Lions are powerful and fierce, making this simile ideal for the intensity of a storm. - The ice cream melted as fast as __________.
Answer: A summer day
Explanation: The heat of a summer day makes ice cream melt quickly, symbolizing speed.
Match the Simile with Its Meaning:
- As busy as a beehive
Answer: B. Extremely active or industrious - As quiet as a mouse
Answer: C. Extremely silent - As strong as an ox
Answer: D. Very strong - As loyal as a dog
Answer: A. Very loyal or constant
Fill in the Blank with the Correct Simile:
- The car zoomed by as __________.
Answer: Fast as lightning
Explanation: Lightning represents speed, making this simile describe something very fast. - He felt as light as __________ after his workout.
Answer: A feather
Explanation: Feathers are light, symbolizing how someone might feel light and free after exercise. - The idea struck him as __________ as a bolt from the blue.
Answer: Sudden
Explanation: A bolt from the blue represents something happening unexpectedly. - Her voice was as soft as __________.
Answer: A whisper
Explanation: A whisper is soft and delicate, much like the quality of her voice.
Bonus: Create Your Own Simile:
Think about something that represents your personality or a characteristic you have. Complete this sentence:
“I am as __________ as __________.”
Example Answer:
“I am as creative as a painter with a blank canvas.” 🎨
