Some things aren’t just big—they’re wide. From the stretch of open highways to the endless canopy of the sky, wide conveys openness, vastness, and infinite reach. A grin can be as wide as a canyon, or a view as wide as the ocean at dawn—full of wonder, space, and scale. These vivid similes for wide things help writers paint scenes that feel expansive, emotional, and alive.
If you’re describing a landscape, an emotion, or a moment that takes your breath away, the right simile for wide thing adds depth and power. Use this collection to elevate your language, enhance imagery, and give your writing room to breathe.
Each comparison invites readers to step into bigger worlds and broader perspectives.
Because sometimes, only the wide can say what the big never could.
As Wide As Simile Examples:
These similes for wide use comparisons to describe width in all its forms—physical, emotional, and metaphorical. Each phrase is paired with meaning, example sentences, and alternative ways to say it.
As Wide as the Ocean
Meaning: Describes something vast, expansive, and seemingly endless.
Example Sentence:
- “Her smile was as wide as the ocean, reaching from ear to ear.”
- “The horizon stretched wide as the ocean, with no end in sight.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as the sky 🌌
- Wide as a galaxy 🌠
As Wide as a Highway
Meaning: Describes something with an extensive, open expanse.
Example Sentence:
- “The road was as wide as a highway, stretching out across the flat plains.”
- “His arms opened wide as a highway, welcoming all those who needed comfort.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a freeway 🚗
- Wide as an open road 🛣️
As Wide as a River
Meaning: Describes a broad and continuous space or area, like a river.
Example Sentence:
- “The valley was as wide as a river, filled with lush greenery on either side.”
- “Her imagination flowed wide as a river, taking her to places others could only dream of.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a stream 🌊
- Wide as a waterway 🏞️
While width captures spread or openness, some objects are not only wide but also enormous in scale—check out these expressive similes for big to explore that next dimension.
As Wide as the Sky
Meaning: Conveys something vast, open, and limitless like the sky.
Example Sentence:
- “His view of the world was as wide as the sky, unbounded by convention.”
- “The desert spread wide as the sky, with endless dunes in every direction.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as the horizon 🌅
- Wide as a canopy 🌳
As Wide as a Field
Meaning: Describes something expansive and open, similar to a large, empty field.
Example Sentence:
- “The grassland was as wide as a field, with wildflowers blooming in every corner.”
- “Her eyes were as wide as a field when she saw the surprise party.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a meadow 🌾
- Wide as a pasture 🐄
As Wide as a Blanket
Meaning: Describes something that covers a large area evenly, like a blanket.
Example Sentence:
- “The snow was as wide as a blanket, covering the entire town in a thick layer.”
- “His influence spread wide as a blanket, touching many lives.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a coverlet 🛏️
- Wide as a duvet 🛋️
Emotional and Symbolic Similes for Wide
Width can also speak to emotion—an open heart, an endless dream, or a storm of feeling. Figurative language to describe something wide help express vulnerability, joy, love, and powerful inner states.
As Wide as a Mirror
Meaning: Describes something that reflects a broad perspective or view.
Example Sentence:
- “Her thoughts were as wide as a mirror, reflecting every idea with clarity.”
- “The hallway was as wide as a mirror, showing everything in perfect symmetry.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a window 🪟
- Wide as a pane of glass 🖼️
As Wide as a Book
Meaning: Describes something with an open, inviting, and expansive nature.
Example Sentence:
- “The horizon was as wide as a book, filled with untold stories waiting to be discovered.”
- “His mind was as wide as a book, always open to learning new things.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a page 📖
- Wide as a chapter 📚
As Wide as a Stage
Meaning: Refers to something open and ready for action, like a performance space.
Example Sentence:
- “The world is as wide as a stage, and everyone has a role to play.”
- “His gestures were as wide as a stage, dramatic and captivating.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as an arena 🏟️
- Wide as a theater 🎭
As Wide as the Universe
Meaning: Describes something endless and boundless, like the universe.
Example Sentence:
- “Her love was as wide as the universe, limitless and all-encompassing.”
- “The possibilities were as wide as the universe, stretching out infinitely before him.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as the cosmos 🌌
- Wide as infinity ♾️
While width speaks to how far something stretches outward, height tells another story—explore these expressive similes for tall to describe things that rise, soar, or tower.
As Wide as a Rainbow
Meaning: A simile for something beautiful, vibrant, and spread out in colors.
Example Sentence:
- “Her joy was as wide as a rainbow, filling the entire sky with color.”
- “The opportunity before him was as wide as a rainbow, offering endless possibilities.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a spectrum 🌈
- Wide as a prism 🌈
As Wide as a Desert
Meaning: Describes something barren but vast, like the endless expanse of a desert.
Example Sentence:
- “The desert was as wide as a canvas, painted with the colors of the setting sun.”
- “His heart was as wide as a desert, offering no refuge for his sorrow.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a wasteland 🌵
- Wide as a dune 🏜️
As Wide as an Open Runway
Meaning: Symbolizes opportunity, freedom, and forward momentum.
Example Sentence:
“His future looked as wide as an open runway—clear and full of potential.”
The path stretched out as wide as an open runway, ready for takeoff.
Other Ways to Say:
Wide as a launchpad 🚀
Wide as a skyward track
Common Similes for Wide Things
From highways to doorways and stages, human-made spaces represent accessibility, scale, and design. These examples of similes for wide things are perfect for describing physical layouts or social dynamics.
As Wide as a Canyon
Meaning: A comparison for something deep, broad, and awe-inspiring.
Example Sentence:
- “The canyon stretched as wide as a vast ocean, its jagged edges reaching into the sky.”
- “His patience was as wide as a canyon, unshaken even by the toughest challenges.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a gorge 🏞️
- Wide as a ravine 🌄
Some objects are not only wide in dimension but also substantial in depth—discover the difference through these similes for thick and explore how density adds meaning.
As Wide as a Fan
Meaning: Describes something that spreads out in all directions.
Example Sentence:
- “Her arms were as wide as a fan, reaching out to hug everyone around her.”
- “The sunlight spread as wide as a fan, casting light across the entire room.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a spread 👐
- Wide as a sunflower 🌻
As Wide as a Sunbeam
Meaning: Describes something warm and expansive, like sunlight.
Example Sentence:
- “His smile was as wide as a sunbeam, lighting up the whole room.”
- “The path ahead was as wide as a sunbeam, filled with warmth and hope.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as daylight 🌅
- Wide as sunshine 🌞
As Wide as a Moonlit Night
Meaning: Describes something expansive and peaceful, like a calm night under the moon.
Example Sentence:
- “The night sky was as wide as a moonlit canvas, stretching out above us.”
- “Her dreams were as wide as a moonlit night, full of light and hope.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as starlight 🌟
- Wide as the twilight 🌒
As Wide as a lion’s Mouth
Meaning: Describes something open and potentially dangerous, like a lion’s mouth.
Example Sentence:
- “The street was as wide as a lion’s mouth, and yet it felt dangerous to cross.”
- “His argument opened wide as a lion’s mouth, devouring all opposing views.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a shark’s jaws 🦈
- Wide as a dragon’s mouth 🐉
As Wide as a Waterfall
Meaning: Describes something powerful and broad, flowing without restraint.
Example Sentence:
- “The river was as wide as a waterfall, spilling over the rocks in a cascade of water.”
- “Her laughter was as wide as a waterfall, echoing throughout the valley.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a cascade 🌊
- Wide as a spring 🏞️
Creative and Abstract Similes for Wide
These imaginative comparisons use art, space, and symbolism to stretch language. These creative similes to describe wide areas ideal for writers aiming to evoke wonder, fantasy, or poetic vision.
As Wide as a Wingspan
Meaning: Describes something that spans an extensive range, much like the wings of a bird.
Example Sentence:
- “The eagle’s wings were as wide as the horizon, soaring above the earth with ease.”
- “His reach was as wide as a wingspan, touching everyone he met.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a bird’s wings 🦅
- Wide as an albatross’s wings 🌊
As Wide as a Child’s Smile
Meaning: Reflects joy, innocence, and emotional openness.
Example Sentence:
“Her joy was as wide as a child’s smile—pure and impossible to miss.”
The reunion made his face stretch as wide as a child’s smile.
Other Ways to Say:
Wide as wonder 😄
Wide as young delight
As Wide as Midnight Silence
Meaning: Poetic and introspective—evokes emotional space, mystery, and quiet depth.
Example Sentence:
“His loneliness felt as wide as midnight silence, echoing in the dark.”
The field was still, as wide as midnight silence under the stars.
Other Ways to Say:
Wide as quiet skies 🌌
Wide as a sleepless hour
As Wide as a Tunnel
Meaning: Describes something dark yet expansive, with a clear path ahead.
Example Sentence:
- “The road ahead was as wide as a tunnel, leading us into unknown possibilities.”
- “Her thoughts were as wide as a tunnel, focused but with no end in sight.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a cave 🕳️
- Wide as an underground passage ⛏️
As Wide as a Painting
Meaning: Describes something with layers and detail, spread out across a surface.
Example Sentence:
- “The world outside was as wide as a painting, filled with vibrant colors and textures.”
- “His vision for the future was as wide as a painting, filled with hope and creativity.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a canvas 🎨
- Wide as a mural 🖼️
Similes for Wide Things in Literature
Writers often use similes to capture the grandeur of wide landscapes, skies, or emotions in storytelling. These similes for wide spaces in literature add atmosphere, depth, and a sense of scale to scenes and characters.
As Wide as a City Avenue
Meaning: Describes something broad and bustling, often urban or modern.
Example Sentence:
“Her style was as wide as a city avenue—bold, dynamic, and ever-changing.”
The boulevard stretched as wide as a city avenue, full of motion and light.
Other Ways to Say:
Wide as a city street 🚦
Wide as an urban path
As Wide as a Storm
Meaning: Describes something intense, unpredictable, and all-encompassing.
Example Sentence:
- “The storm stretched wide as a storm, covering the entire city in heavy rain and wind.”
- “His mood was as wide as a storm, changing rapidly from calm to angry.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a hurricane 🌪️
- Wide as a thunderstorm ⚡
As Wide as a Stretch
Meaning: Describes something expansive and open for movement or growth.
Example Sentence:
- “The plains were as wide as a stretch, providing ample space for horses to run free.”
- “Her potential was as wide as a stretch, limited only by her imagination.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a range 🏞️
- Wide as an expanse 🌍
As Wide as a Lake
Meaning: Describes a vast and still area, much like the surface of a lake.
Example Sentence:
- “The lake stretched wide as a mirror, its surface calm and reflective.”
- “His heart was as wide as a lake, filled with tranquility and peace.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as an ocean 🌊
- Wide as a pond 🏞️
As Wide as a Doorframe
Meaning: Describes something welcoming, open, and accessible.
Example Sentence:
- “The doorway was as wide as a doorframe, beckoning guests to enter.”
- “Her ideas were as wide as a doorframe, welcoming all possibilities.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as an entrance 🚪
- Wide as a threshold 🌉
As Wide as a Nest
Meaning: Describes something welcoming and spacious, offering a sense of comfort.
Example Sentence:
- “The room felt as wide as a nest, cozy and open to all who entered.”
- “Her arms were as wide as a nest, ready to hold everyone in a warm embrace.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Wide as a home 🏠
- Wide as a hearth 🔥
As Wide as a Football Field
Meaning: A familiar and visual way to describe something large and spacious.
Example Sentence:
“His grin was as wide as a football field—unmissable and full of energy.”
The park was as wide as a football field, perfect for running free.
Other Ways to Say:
Wide as the end zone 🏈
Wide as game day turf
As Wide as a Dream Horizon
Meaning: Expresses boundless creativity or a future full of possibilities.
Example Sentence:
“His ambition was as wide as a dream horizon—distant, daring, and full of light.”
The possibilities ahead felt as wide as a dream horizon.
Other Ways to Say:
Wide as a hopeful sky 🌅
Wide as tomorrow’s edge
Similes for Wide Quiz
Part 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the similes by filling in the blanks with vivid comparisons.
- The river was as wide as a __________.
- The open field stretched as wide as __________.
- His smile was as wide as __________.
- The canyon’s mouth was as wide as __________.
- The highway spread out like a __________.
Part 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the best simile to complete the sentence.
- The sky was as wide as:
a. A bird’s wing
b. An endless ocean
c. A closed door
d. A patch of grass - The child’s arms opened as wide as:
a. A bridge spanning a river
b. A tiny pocket
c. A flickering candle
d. A blooming flower - The plain stretched as wide as:
a. A sea of glass
b. A narrow alleyway
c. A dense forest
d. A book’s open pages - The ocean glittered as wide as:
a. A starry night sky
b. A shallow pond
c. A forest trail
d. A curled leaf - The vast desert was as wide as:
a. A grain of sand
b. A lion’s roar
c. The horizon itself
d. A fallen tree
Answers
Part 1:
- The river was as wide as a football field.
- The open field stretched as wide as the horizon.
- His smile was as wide as a crescent moon.
- The canyon’s mouth was as wide as a dragon’s yawn.
- The highway spread out like a giant ribbon.
Part 2:
- b. An endless ocean
- a. A bridge spanning a river
- d. A book’s open pages
- a. A starry night sky
- c. The horizon itself
Conclusion
From skies that never end to arms open in welcome, wide is more than just a measurement—it’s a feeling. These similes for wide help you express vastness, possibility, and presence in ways that are visual, emotional, and memorable.
Whether you’re writing poetry, storytelling, or simply seeking a more vivid phrase, these comparisons add depth and color to your language.
Use them to create space in your writing—and let your meaning stretch as wide as your imagination.
