Figures of Speech with Definitions and Examples 1. Simile A comparison between two unlike things using like or as. Example: “Her smile is like sunshine.” 2. Metaphor A direct comparison that says one thing is another. Example: “Time is a thief.” 3. Personification Giving human qualities to non-human things or ideas. Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.” 4. Hyperbole An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis. Example: “I’ve told you a million times.” 5. Alliteration Repetition of the s