Similes are a powerful tool in writing, helping to make descriptions more vivid and relatable. They allow writers to draw comparisons between different things, creating a clearer picture for the reader. By using similes, you can bring life to your language, making it more engaging and expressive.
In this article, we’ll explore 31 unique similes for the word “according”—each designed to add depth and creativity to your writing. Whether you’re writing poetry, storytelling, or simply enhancing everyday conversation, these similes will help you communicate ideas in a more imaginative way.
1. According is like a map
Meaning: It guides you toward a specific direction or outcome.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the plan, we should be arriving in two hours.”
- “According is like a map, leading us step by step toward success.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a compass. 🧭
- According is like a blueprint. 🏗️
2. According is like a mirror
Meaning: It reflects the truth or reality of a situation.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the report, the situation is worse than expected.”
- “According is like a mirror, reflecting the true state of affairs.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a truth-teller. 🗣️
- According is like a window to reality. 🌍
3. According is like a clock
Meaning: It provides structure and timing to a situation.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the schedule, the meeting will start at 3 PM.”
- “According is like a clock, keeping everything on track and timely.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a timekeeper. ⏰
- According is like a schedule. 📅
4. According is like a key
Meaning: It unlocks understanding or access to something important.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the instructions, the process should be easy to follow.”
- “According is like a key, unlocking the solution to the problem.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a gateway. 🚪
- According is like a password. 🔑
5. According is like a lens
Meaning: It helps to focus on the essential details.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the research, the data supports the hypothesis.”
- “According is like a lens, focusing on the most important points.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a magnifying glass. 🔍
- According is like a spotlight. 💡
6. According is like a bridge
Meaning: It connects ideas, people, or situations.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the terms of the agreement, both parties must comply.”
- “According is like a bridge, connecting our plans to our actions.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a link. 🔗
- According is like a pathway. 🌉
7. According is like a guide
Meaning: It directs or leads you to the correct conclusion.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the experts, this method is the most effective.”
- “According is like a guide, showing the way through the maze of information.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a mentor. 🧑🏫
- According is like a map. 🗺️
8. According is like a filter
Meaning: It sifts through information to present what is most relevant.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the latest data, we should focus on customer satisfaction.”
- “According is like a filter, allowing only the most important details to pass through.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a sieve. 🧺
- According is like a strainer. 🍝
9. According is like a compass
Meaning: It helps to orient and direct you in the right direction.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the guidelines, we must proceed with caution.”
- “According is like a compass, pointing us toward the right course of action.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a navigator. 🚢
- According is like a direction-finder. 🧭
10. According is like a blueprint
Meaning: It provides a detailed plan or structure to follow.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the design, we need to build the house with these specific materials.”
- “According is like a blueprint, outlining every step of the process.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a framework. 🏗️
- According is like a roadmap. 🗺️
11. According is like a conductor
Meaning: It directs and coordinates actions or events.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the manager, everyone needs to contribute to the project.”
- “According is like a conductor, orchestrating the flow of tasks.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a director. 🎬
- According is like a coordinator. 🗂️
12. According is like a gardener
Meaning: It nurtures and shapes the outcome of a situation.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the teacher, the students need more practice.”
- “According is like a gardener, cultivating the seeds of knowledge.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a nurturer. 🌱
- According is like a cultivator. 🌻
13. According is like a mirror
Meaning: It reflects what is true or accurate in a situation.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the survey, most people prefer online shopping.”
- “According is like a mirror, reflecting the reality of the situation.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a reflection. 🔮
- According is like a truth revealer. 🔍
14. According is like a translator
Meaning: It converts complex ideas into understandable terms.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the scientist, the theory is quite complicated.”
- “According is like a translator, making complex ideas accessible to everyone.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like an interpreter. 🌐
- According is like a decoder. 🔓
15. According is like a recipe
Meaning: It provides the steps to follow for a successful result.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the recipe, we need to mix the ingredients carefully.”
- “According is like a recipe, giving us the exact instructions to follow.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a formula. 🧪
- According is like a set of instructions. 📋
16. According is like a sculptor
Meaning: It shapes and refines the final product.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the artist, the piece needs more detail.”
- “According is like a sculptor, shaping the final masterpiece from raw material.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a craftsman. 🛠️
- According is like a designer. 🎨
17. According is like a puzzle piece
Meaning: It fits into a larger picture, completing the whole.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the evidence, this part of the case is crucial.”
- “According is like a puzzle piece, completing the bigger picture.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a missing link. 🔗
- According is like a key component. 🧩
18. According is like a lightbulb
Meaning: It illuminates and clarifies ideas.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the research, we can now understand the root cause.”
- “According is like a lightbulb, shedding light on the issue at hand.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a spotlight. 💡
- According is like an enlightenment. 🌟
19. According is like a traffic light
Meaning: It controls and directs the flow of events.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the rules, we need to stop at the red light.”
- “According is like a traffic light, guiding the way and preventing chaos.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a stop sign. 🛑
- According is like a signal. 🚦
20. According is like a chef
Meaning: It mixes ingredients or elements to create a final outcome.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the instructions, we need to blend the flavors perfectly.”
- “According is like a chef, combining different ideas to create a successful dish.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a creator. 🍽️
- According is like a master of flavor. 👩🍳
21. According is like a mirror
Meaning: It reflects the true nature or reality of something.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the test results, everything is in order.”
- “According is like a mirror, showing us the exact situation without distortion.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a reflection. 🪞
- According is like a clear view. 👀
22. According is like a conductor’s baton
Meaning: It leads and coordinates the flow of events or actions.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the schedule, we need to wrap up the meeting by 4 PM.”
- “According is like a conductor’s baton, orchestrating the rhythm of the day.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a director’s cue. 🎬
- According is like a leader’s command. 🎶
23. According is like a puzzle
Meaning: It fits pieces together to form a complete picture.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the evidence, we have enough clues to solve the case.”
- “According is like a puzzle, helping us piece together the truth.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a jigsaw. 🧩
- According is like a key to unlocking the mystery. 🔐
24. According is like a guidebook
Meaning: It provides helpful instructions and insights.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the travel guide, this museum is a must-see.”
- “According is like a guidebook, offering valuable information at every turn.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a handbook. 📚
- According is like a manual. 📝
25. According is like a magnet
Meaning: It draws attention or focuses energy on something.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the survey, people are increasingly interested in sustainability.”
- “According is like a magnet, attracting the attention of everyone involved.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a beacon. 🔦
- According is like a pull. 🧲
26. According is like a flashlight
Meaning: It illuminates the path ahead or provides clarity.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the manual, this tool should be used carefully.”
- “According is like a flashlight, revealing the necessary steps in the process.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a torch. 🔦
- According is like a guiding light. 💡
27. According is like a clockwork
Meaning: It works in a precise and predictable manner.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the plan, everything should proceed smoothly.”
- “According is like clockwork, ticking away with perfect precision.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a well-oiled machine. ⚙️
- According is like a perfectly timed event. ⏱️
28. According is like a painter’s palette
Meaning: It mixes different elements to create a cohesive result.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the guidelines, we need to incorporate various perspectives.”
- “According is like a painter’s palette, blending ideas to form a beautiful picture.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like an artist’s brush. 🎨
- According is like a creative process. ✨
29. According is like a detective
Meaning: It uncovers hidden details and provides clarity.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the investigation, the case is more complicated than we thought.”
- “According is like a detective, piecing together the facts to solve the puzzle.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like an investigator. 🕵️♂️
- According is like a sleuth. 🔍
30. According is like a bell
Meaning: It rings true, signaling an important point.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the weather forecast, we should expect rain tomorrow.”
- “According is like a bell, ringing clearly and indicating the truth.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a chime. 🔔
- According is like a signal. 🚨
31. According is like a stage director
Meaning: It organizes and controls the events to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Example Sentences:
- “According to the script, the actors should enter from the left.”
- “According is like a stage director, ensuring every element falls into place perfectly.”
Other Ways to Say:
- According is like a producer. 🎥
- According is like a coordinator. 🎭
Practical exercise
Similes for “According” Quiz
Part 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the similes by filling in the blanks with appropriate comparisons related to “according.
- According to the report, the situation was as clear as __________.
- According to the teacher, the explanation was as simple as __________.
- According to the weather forecast, the day was as unpredictable as __________.
- According to the book, the answer was as hidden as __________.
- According to the news, the problem was as urgent as __________.
Part 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the best simile that fits the description of “according” in each situation.
- According to the study, the results were as surprising as:
a. A rainbow after a storm
b. A clock ticking at midnight
c. A frozen lake in winter
d. A rising sun in the morning - According to the analysis, the pattern was as predictable as:
a. A clock’s ticking
b. A wild river
c. A lightning bolt
d. A gust of wind - According to the expert, the advice was as valuable as:
a. A treasure chest
b. A broken compass
c. A rolling stone
d. A flickering candle - According to the witness, the event was as chaotic as:
a. A thunderstorm
b. A calm sea
c. A tidy room
d. A silent night - According to the instructions, the task was as easy as:
a. Tying shoelaces
b. Climbing a mountain
c. Crossing a busy street
d. Reading a foreign language
Part 3: Match the Simile
Match the simile to the appropriate “according” statement.
- “As fast as a speeding bullet.”
a. According to the runner’s speed,
b. According to the weather report,
c. According to the forecast, - “As calm as a still lake.”
a. According to the lake’s surface,
b. According to the storm,
c. According to the researcher’s method, - “As confusing as a maze.”
a. According to the instructions,
b. According to the story,
c. According to the analysis, - “As precious as gold.”
a. According to the collector,
b. According to the book,
c. According to the weather, - “As clear as crystal.”
a. According to the explanation,
b. According to the rumor,
c. According to the details,
Answers:
Part 1: Fill in the Blanks
- According to the report, the situation was as clear as daylight.
- According to the teacher, the explanation was as simple as ABC.
- According to the weather forecast, the day was as unpredictable as a coin toss.
- According to the book, the answer was as hidden as a needle in a haystack.
- According to the news, the problem was as urgent as a fire in a crowded theater.
Part 2: Multiple Choice
- a. A rainbow after a storm
- a. A clock’s ticking
- a. A treasure chest
- a. A thunderstorm
- a. Tying shoelaces
Part 3: Match the Simile
- a. According to the runner’s speed, (The runner is as fast as a speeding bullet).
- a. According to the lake’s surface, (The lake is as calm as a still lake).
- a. According to the instructions, (The instructions are as confusing as a maze).
- a. According to the collector, (The item is as precious as gold).
- a. According to the explanation, (The explanation is as clear as crystal).
Conclusion
Similes provide an effective and imaginative way to describe “according” in a variety of contexts. These 31 similes for according can add color and depth to your writing, whether you’re crafting a story, delivering a speech, or engaging in casual conversation. By using similes, you can transform ordinary expressions into memorable and vivid comparisons. Try experimenting with these similes in your own writing to make your language more engaging, clear, and expressive!
