Wetness is all around us—raindrops on leaves, sweat on a hot day, or the dampness of morning dew. But how do you describe wetness in a way that truly brings it to life?
That’s where similes come in! A simile compares two things using “like” or “as” to create vivid imagery. Instead of saying “His clothes were wet,” you can say “His clothes were as wet as a sponge dipped in water.”
In this article, we’ll explore powerful similes for wet, categorized by different types of wetness—rain, sweat, soaked objects, and more. Whether you’re writing a story, poetry, or just want to expand your vocabulary, these similes will help!
Similes for Something Completely Soaked
When something is completely drenched, these similes capture the intensity of wetness.
As wet as a drowned rat
- Meaning: Describes someone or something completely soaked.
- Example: After walking through the storm, he looked as wet as a drowned rat, dripping from head to toe.
Like a sponge full of water
- Meaning: Describes something so wet that it holds and drips moisture.
- Example: Her coat was like a sponge full of water, heavy and dripping.
As soaked as a towel after a swim
- Meaning: Describes something fully wet and heavy with water.
- Example: His shirt was as soaked as a towel after a swim, clinging to his skin.
Like a mop after cleaning the floor
- Meaning: Describes something dripping wet, similar to a mop.
- Example: His hair hung like a mop after cleaning the floor, damp and stringy.
As wet as a fish just pulled from the sea
- Meaning: Describes extreme wetness, as if something came straight out of water.
- Example: His boots were as wet as a fish just pulled from the sea, making squelching sounds as he walked.
Similes for Rain and Water
Rain makes everything wet, from the streets to clothes. These similes describe wetness caused by rain and water.
Like the sky crying rivers
- Meaning: Describes heavy rain soaking everything.
- Example: The storm came down like the sky crying rivers, leaving puddles everywhere.
As wet as a leaf in the morning dew
- Meaning: Describes a gentle, fresh wetness.
- Example: The grass underfoot was as wet as a leaf in the morning dew, cool and glistening.
Like a window covered in raindrops
- Meaning: Describes something damp and covered in droplets.
- Example: His glasses were like a window covered in raindrops, foggy and dripping.
As damp as a cave wall
- Meaning: Describes a cool, constant moisture.
- Example: The basement felt as damp as a cave wall, cool and musty.
Like clothes left in the rain overnight
- Meaning: Describes something completely soaked and heavy with moisture.
- Example: His jacket was like clothes left in the rain overnight, impossible to dry quickly.
Similes for Sweat and Perspiration
Sweat makes people sticky and damp. These similes describe the wetness of perspiration.
As sweaty as a glass of iced tea on a hot day
- Meaning: Describes someone drenched in sweat.
- Example: After running five miles, he was as sweaty as a glass of iced tea on a hot day, dripping with moisture.
Like a river running down his back
- Meaning: Describes sweat pouring off someone.
- Example: The heat made sweat flow like a river running down his back, soaking his shirt.
As wet as a wrestler in the final round
- Meaning: Describes someone completely soaked in sweat from effort.
- Example: By the end of the game, he was as wet as a wrestler in the final round, exhausted and dripping.
Like a soaked rag after a workout
- Meaning: Describes something wet with sweat and exhaustion.
- Example: His gym towel was like a soaked rag after a workout, heavy and smelly.
As damp as a sauna stone after steam
- Meaning: Describes someone covered in sweat but not completely dripping.
- Example: The crowded room made everyone as damp as a sauna stone after steam, sticky with sweat.
Similes for a Slightly Wet or Damp Feeling
Sometimes things are only a little damp, and these similes describe that light wetness.
As damp as morning mist
- Meaning: Describes a light, cool wetness.
- Example: Her hair was as damp as morning mist, soft and slightly wet.
Like a napkin after wiping spilled juice
- Meaning: Describes something lightly moist but not dripping.
- Example: His sleeve was like a napkin after wiping spilled juice, slightly damp from the spill.
As moist as freshly baked bread
- Meaning: Describes a soft, pleasant wetness.
- Example: The soil after the rain was as moist as freshly baked bread, rich and full of life.
Like the cool touch of a raindrop on your skin
- Meaning: Describes a refreshing, light dampness.
- Example: The wind carried moisture, like the cool touch of a raindrop on your skin, gentle and soothing.
As dewy as a rose at dawn
- Meaning: Describes something lightly wet with freshness.
- Example: Her lips were as dewy as a rose at dawn, glistening under the morning light.
Similes for Wet Hair, Clothes, and Skin
Wetness clings to clothes and hair. These similes describe how that feels.
Like seaweed washed ashore
- Meaning: Describes hair or fabric sticking together when wet.
- Example: His wet hair clung to his forehead like seaweed washed ashore.
As slick as a dolphin’s skin
- Meaning: Describes wet, smooth surfaces.
- Example: The rain made the roads as slick as a dolphin’s skin, dangerous to drive on.
Like a towel fresh out of the washing machine
- Meaning: Describes something damp and in need of drying.
- Example: His jeans felt like a towel fresh out of the washing machine, cold and heavy.
As sticky as honey left in the sun
- Meaning: Describes wetness that feels uncomfortable and clings to the skin.
- Example: The humidity made everything as sticky as honey left in the sun, clinging to my arms.
Like clothes pulled straight from a lake
- Meaning: Describes something dripping wet and heavy.
- Example: After falling in the pool, she stepped out like clothes pulled straight from a lake, water streaming down.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Simile for Wetness
Wetness can be light, heavy, sticky, or refreshing. These similes for wet help bring descriptions to life, whether you’re talking about rain, sweat, or soaked clothes.
Which simile is your favorite? Or do you have your own? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😊


