Similes for Slow help describe things that move at a sluggish, gradual, or delayed pace. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as” to create a clear and vivid image.
For example, saying something is “as slow as a snail” immediately paints a picture of extreme slowness. Describing a person, an event, or even time itself, these similes make writing and speech more expressive.
In this article, we’ll explore various similes for slow, their meanings, and examples to help you use them effectively.
Unique Similes for Slow
1. As slow as molasses in January
Meaning: This simile refers to something that moves extremely slowly, much like molasses when it is cold and thick in winter.
- Example Sentence 1: “The traffic was as slow as molasses in January during the snowstorm.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Her recovery from the injury has been as slow as molasses in January, but she’s getting better day by day.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a tortoise 🐢
- As slow as a snail 🐌
2. As slow as a snail
Meaning: Snails are famous for their slow movement, making this simile a common way to describe something moving at a very slow pace.
- Example Sentence 1: “The line at the grocery store was as slow as a snail today. I thought I’d be there forever.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His progress in learning the new software was as slow as a snail, but he finally mastered it.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As slow as molasses 🍯
- As sluggish as a sloth 🦥
3. As slow as a tortoise
Meaning: The tortoise is well-known for its deliberate, slow pace, often used to describe something that is taking its time.
- Example Sentence 1: “The project is moving as slow as a tortoise, but we are making steady progress.”
- Example Sentence 2: “I tried to catch up with him, but he was walking as slow as a tortoise.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lazy as a cat 🐱
- As sluggish as a sloth 🦥
4. As slow as a glacier
Meaning: Glaciers are massive and move at an incredibly slow pace, making this simile a way to describe something moving at a glacial speed.
- Example Sentence 1: “Her response to the proposal came as slow as a glacier, leaving us in suspense.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The company’s decision-making process moves as slow as a glacier, which frustrates everyone.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As stagnant as a pond 🌊
- As unhurried as a mountain breeze 🍃
5. As slow as a sloth
Meaning: Sloths are notoriously slow-moving animals, making them a perfect symbol for sluggishness.
- Example Sentence 1: “He drove as slow as a sloth, taking forever to get anywhere.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The delivery service was as slow as a sloth, and my package arrived a week late.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lethargic as a bear in winter 🐻
- As heavy as a cloud ☁️
6. As slow as a sleepy cat
Meaning: A cat that is lounging around and napping can be an image of pure sluggishness.
- Example Sentence 1: “Her reaction time in the meeting was as slow as a sleepy cat, and she seemed distracted.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The morning passed as slow as a sleepy cat, with everyone in a lazy mood.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As languid as a lazy afternoon 🌞
- As dozy as a koala 🐨
7. As slow as a windless day
Meaning: When there’s no wind, everything seems still and motionless, making this simile ideal for describing something that’s moving without any urgency.
- Example Sentence 1: “The project progress felt as slow as a windless day—it seemed like nothing was happening.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The meeting dragged on as slow as a windless day, with no one really speaking up.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As motionless as a pond 🏞️
- As still as a statue 🗿
8. As slow as a dial-up internet connection
Meaning: Refers to something moving with a lot of delays or lag, much like the old, slow dial-up internet connections.
- Example Sentence 1: “Trying to load the website was as slow as a dial-up internet connection.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Her internet connection was as slow as a dial-up internet connection, and it took forever to upload the file.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As outdated as a floppy disk 💾
- As lagging as a buffering video ⏳
9. As slow as a sinking ship
Meaning: This phrase emphasizes an incredibly slow, inevitable decline or delay, often used when things are going wrong.
- The project’s timeline felt as slow as a sinking ship—we kept missing deadlines.”
- The negotiations went as slow as a sinking ship, with no progress being made.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As delayed as a train 🚂
- As helpless as a stranded boat 🛥️
10. As slow as an old man walking with a cane
Meaning: This simile paints the picture of someone moving slowly due to age or physical limitations, which is often used to describe gradual movement.
- The delivery was as slow as an old man walking with a cane, and I almost gave up waiting.
- Her progress in the workout class was as slow as an old man walking with a cane, but she pushed through.
Other Ways to Say:
- As frail as a dried leaf 🍂
- As unsteady as a toddler 👶
11. As slow as treacle
Meaning: Treacle is a thick, sticky syrup that moves slowly. This simile is used to describe something that is moving very slowly.
- Example Sentence 1: “The line at the coffee shop was as slow as treacle, and I was running late for work.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The meeting moved as slow as treacle, and I found it hard to stay focused.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sticky as molasses 🍯
- As sluggish as a honey pot 🐝
12. As slow as the setting sun
Meaning: The setting sun seems to gradually dip below the horizon, making this simile perfect for describing something that takes its time.
- Example Sentence 1: “The minutes ticked by as slow as the setting sun, and I was getting restless.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Her healing process was as slow as the setting sun, but she was patient.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as twilight 🌇
- As leisurely as a sunset stroll 🌅
13. As slow as the tide coming in
Meaning: Tides move slowly but steadily, making this simile great for describing something that is moving with little speed but a sense of inevitability.
- Example Sentence 1: “The progress on the project was as slow as the tide coming in, but we were making headway.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Her speech came as slow as the tide coming in, each word carefully chosen.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As steady as a river current 🌊
- As predictable as a lunar cycle 🌜
14. As slow as a broken clock
Meaning: This simile suggests that something is not only slow but also unreliable, similar to how a broken clock may no longer function.
- Example Sentence 1: “His progress was as slow as a broken clock, and it seemed like he’d never finish.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The train was as slow as a broken clock, and we were late for the event.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As halted as a stopped watch 🕰️
- As disjointed as a glitchy video 📽️
15. As slow as cold molasses
Meaning: Like molasses that thickens in cold weather, this simile is used to describe something that is moving very slowly and steadily.
- Example Sentence 1: “The process of getting the approval was as slow as cold molasses, taking weeks instead of days.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Her email responses were as slow as cold molasses, and I was getting frustrated.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As thick as tar 🛢️
- As heavy as maple syrup 🍁
16. As slow as a woolly mammoth
Meaning: This simile implies a slow and lumbering pace, much like the massive, ancient woolly mammoth.
- Example Sentence 1: “The committee’s decision-making was as slow as a woolly mammoth, dragging on for months.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The meeting moved as slow as a woolly mammoth, and no one was excited to participate.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lumbering as an elephant 🐘
- As sluggish as a bear after hibernation 🐻
17. As slow as watching paint dry
Meaning: This is a common simile used to describe something so slow that it feels like you’re watching something completely unchanging or static.
- Example Sentence 1: “The waiting time at the airport was as slow as watching paint dry. I was losing my patience.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His explanation of the project was as slow as watching paint dry—it felt endless.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As monotonous as waiting in line ⏳
- As dull as a paint drying process 🎨
18. As slow as a cow chewing cud
Meaning: Cows chew their food very slowly, and this simile suggests a sluggish and relaxed pace.
- Example Sentence 1: “The meeting was as slow as a cow chewing cud, with no one in a hurry to make decisions.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His work pace was as slow as a cow chewing cud, but he got the job done eventually.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As leisurely as a tortoise 🐢
- As relaxed as a lazy afternoon 🛋️
19. As slow as the moon rising
Meaning: This simile evokes the image of the slow, gradual rise of the moon, suggesting a steady but slow pace.
- Example Sentence 1: “The conversation progressed as slow as the moon rising, with everyone taking their time to speak.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Her realization about the issue came as slow as the moon rising, but she eventually understood.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As steady as a ticking clock 🕰️
- As deliberate as a slow dance 💃
20. As slow as a pot of water coming to a boil
Meaning: Water takes time to heat up, and this simile reflects something moving at a steady but frustratingly slow pace.
- Example Sentence 1: “The waiting time for my food was as slow as a pot of water coming to a boil.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His recovery was as slow as a pot of water coming to a boil, but it was steady.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as an engine warming up 🚗
- As gradual as the heat rising 🌡️
21. As slow as a car stuck in traffic
Meaning: This simile describes the frustratingly slow pace of something that has been hindered, much like a car caught in traffic.
- Example Sentence 1: “The traffic this morning was as slow as a car stuck in traffic, and I was late for work.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Our discussion moved as slow as a car stuck in traffic, with no clear resolution in sight.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As jammed as a highway at rush hour 🚧
- As stagnant as a clogged road 🛣️
22. As slow as a lazy river
Meaning: A lazy river moves gently and slowly, and this simile is used to describe a relaxed, unhurried pace.
- Example Sentence 1: “The afternoon passed as slow as a lazy river, with nothing urgent on my to-do list.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His writing style is as slow as a lazy river, taking time to build the plot.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As calm as a lake 🌅
- As relaxed as a weekend morning ☕
23. As slow as a kite in no wind
Meaning: A kite requires wind to fly, and without it, it will hardly move. This simile evokes the image of something stuck in place due to a lack of momentum.
- Example Sentence 1: “His promotion was as slow as a kite in no wind, and he was beginning to lose hope.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The project seemed to be moving as slow as a kite in no wind, with no one taking charge.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As unprogressive as a stalled car 🚗
- As stagnant as a puddle 💧
24. As slow as an elephant on a hot day
Meaning: Elephants are large and slow-moving, and in the heat, they move even more slowly, making this simile perfect for describing something sluggish.
- Example Sentence 1: “The delivery service was as slow as an elephant on a hot day, and my package was delayed.”
- Example Sentence 2: “Her thoughts came as slow as an elephant on a hot day, but she eventually figured it out.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As sluggish as a bear in summer 🐻
- As lumbering as a rhinoceros 🦏
25. As slow as an old dog in the heat
Meaning: Older dogs move slower due to their age and the heat, making this a great simile for sluggish, heat-affected movement.
- Example Sentence 1: “The afternoon dragged on as slow as an old dog in the heat, and I was exhausted.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His attempts to fix the issue were as slow as an old dog in the heat, but he eventually got it done.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As weary as a tired old mule 🐴
- As lethargic as a sleepy bear 🐻
26. As slow as a snail on a lazy day
Meaning: This simile amplifies the typical slow pace of a snail, adding the element of a “lazy day” for extra emphasis.
- Example Sentence 1: “The printer was as slow as a snail on a lazy day, and I was getting impatient waiting for my document.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His decision-making was as slow as a snail on a lazy day, and everyone around him grew frustrated.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lazy as a cat in the sun ☀️
- As sluggish as molasses 🍯
27. As slow as a grandfather clock ticking
Meaning: Grandfather clocks have a deliberate and steady ticking sound, which makes them a fitting symbol for something moving slowly and predictably.
- Example Sentence 1: “The meeting moved as slow as a grandfather clock ticking, each second dragging on.”
- Example Sentence 2: “The process of approval felt as slow as a grandfather clock ticking, and it was hard to stay focused.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As steady as a metronome 🎶
- As measured as a slow heartbeat ❤️
28. As slow as the melting ice
Meaning: Ice melts slowly, and this simile is often used to describe gradual, almost imperceptible movement or change.
- Example Sentence 1: “The progress on the new project was as slow as the melting ice, but at least we were making progress.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His recovery was as slow as the melting ice, but we remained hopeful that he would eventually heal.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As gradual as a sunrise 🌅
- As steady as a glacier 🏔️
29. As slow as a movie with too many fillers
Meaning: This simile compares slowness to a movie that drags on because of excessive unnecessary scenes, making time feel even more prolonged.
- Example Sentence 1: “The presentation felt as slow as a movie with too many fillers, and I was struggling to stay awake.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His explanation was as slow as a movie with too many fillers, and I had to remind him to get to the point.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As drawn-out as a long speech 🗣️
- As tedious as watching a boring documentary 🎬
30. As slow as a freight train with no engine
Meaning: This simile describes something that is sluggish and has no momentum, like a train that is stuck or not moving efficiently.
- Example Sentence 1: “The team’s progress on the project felt as slow as a freight train with no engine.”
- Example Sentence 2: “We were stuck as slow as a freight train with no engine in the middle of the workday, unable to get anything done.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As stagnant as a pool of water 💦
- As motionless as a parked car 🚗
31. As slow as an artist painting a masterpiece
Meaning: This simile conveys the idea of something moving slowly but with a sense of purpose or intention, much like an artist taking their time to craft a beautiful work of art.
- Example Sentence 1: “The creative process was as slow as an artist painting a masterpiece, but the final product was worth the wait.”
- Example Sentence 2: “His preparation for the presentation was as slow as an artist painting a masterpiece, but he wanted everything to be perfect.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As careful as a sculptor with marble 🗿
- As deliberate as a chess master playing the game ♟️
32. As slow as a bus during rush hour
Meaning: This simile describes something moving at a very slow pace, much like a bus stuck in heavy traffic.
- The commute to work was as slow as a bus during rush hour, and I arrived late.
- Our team’s progress on the project felt as slow as a bus during rush hour, with so many hurdles to overcome.
Other Ways to Say:
- As bogged down as a truck in mud 🚚
- As stuck as a car in traffic 🚧
33. As slow as a melting candle
Meaning: This simile is used to describe something that is slowly disappearing or fading away, just like how a candle melts over time.
- The minutes ticked by as slow as a melting candle, and I couldn’t wait for the day to end.”
- The excitement from the event faded as slow as a melting candle, leaving behind only memories.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As lingering as the last drops of a drink 🍹
- As gradual as the setting sun 🌅
34. As slow as a horse pulling a plow
Meaning: This simile refers to the image of a heavy, slow-moving horse pulling a plow across a field, suggesting hard, slow labor.
- The project moved as slow as a horse pulling a plow, with lots of effort but little visible progress.
- Her effort to explain the situation felt as slow as a horse pulling a plow, but eventually, she made her point clear.
Other Ways to Say:
- As deliberate as an ox in the field 🐂
- As plodding as a donkey carrying a load 🐴
35. As slow as the gears of an old clock
Meaning: Old clocks, with their rusty gears, are often slower and less efficient, making this simile ideal for describing something that is moving slowly due to age or inefficiency.
- The project approval process was as slow as the gears of an old clock, and we were losing patience.”
- The negotiations moved as slow as the gears of an old clock, with each party carefully considering their options.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As unhurried as a slow-moving tide 🌊
- As deliberate as a ticking clock 🕰️
Conclusion
In conclusion, similes for slow provide creative ways to describe anything that moves at a sluggish or gradual pace.
Comparing something to a snail, a turtle, or molasses in winter, these similes help paint a clear picture of slowness. By using these expressions, you can make your writing and speech more vivid and engaging.
Ultimately, choosing the right simile depends on the context, but each one adds depth and clarity to your descriptions.
