What term describes a comparison using "like" or "as"?

The term that describes a comparison using "like" or "as" is indeed a simile. A simile directly highlights similarities between two different things in a vivid manner, making them relatable by using those specific words. For example, saying "as brave as a lion" or "her smile is like sunshine" creates a clear and imaginative picture, allowing the reader to visualize the qualities being compared.

In contrast, a metaphor implies a direct comparison without using "like" or "as," suggesting that one thing is another, such as saying "time is a thief." Allegory involves a narrative that conveys abstract ideas through a story, often with a moral or political meaning. An analogy draws a comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification, but it does not specifically use "like" or "as" in the same way a simile does. Thus, identifying simile as the term for comparisons using "like" or "as" is accurate and essential for understanding how to convey imagery and meaning in literature.