Sometimes we feel jealous when someone else has something we want. It could be a toy, a friend’s new shoes, or even the attention someone gets. Feeling this way is normal, but it can be hard to talk about. That’s where similes help. Similes compare two things using the words “like” or “as.” They make ideas easier to picture and understand.
In this article, you’ll learn some fun and simple similes that describe jealousy. These phrases can help you explain your feelings better. You’ll also see how to use them in real-life sentences. If you’ve ever felt a little green with envy, this list will give you the words to say it in a clear and creative way. Let’s begin exploring similes for jealousy.
Similes for Jealousy
1. As jealous as a cat watching a fishbowl
Meaning: Very envious and wanting something badly.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a cat watching a fishbowl when her friend got the new video game. / He looked at the prize as jealous as a cat watching a fishbowl.
Other Way to Say: Like a cat wanting fish / Like watching something you can’t have
2. As jealous as a kid without candy
Meaning: Feeling left out and wishing for what someone else has.
Sample Sentences: I felt as jealous as a kid without candy at the birthday party. / He was as jealous as a kid without candy when his sister got two gifts.
Other Way to Say: Like missing out / Like wanting a treat
3. As jealous as a puppy seeing another dog get a treat
Meaning: Wishing you were the one getting attention.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a puppy seeing another dog get a treat. / He stared with eyes as jealous as a puppy left out.
Other Way to Say: Like a dog left behind / Like wanting a reward
4. As jealous as a bee without honey
Meaning: Wanting something sweet or special that someone else has.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a bee without honey when his friend got praised. / I felt like a bee without honey when she won the ribbon.
Other Way to Say: Wanting something sweet / Left out of something good
5. As jealous as a cloud watching the sun shine
Meaning: Feeling left in the dark while someone else shines.
Sample Sentences: She felt as jealous as a cloud watching the sun shine on her friend. / He looked like a cloud watching the sun during the show.
Other Way to Say: Like a shadow watching the light / Wanting to be seen
6. As jealous as a squirrel without a nut
Meaning: Feeling empty while others have plenty.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a squirrel without a nut on Halloween. / I felt as jealous as a squirrel seeing someone else with snacks.
Other Way to Say: Like having nothing / Like watching others enjoy
7. As jealous as a bird in a cage
Meaning: Wanting freedom or chances like others have.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a bird in a cage when her brother went outside. / He looked like a caged bird watching others fly.
Other Way to Say: Trapped feeling / Wishing for a turn
8. As jealous as a snowman in summer
Meaning: Feeling out of place or like you’re melting while others are fine.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a snowman in summer when his classmates went to the pool. / I felt like a snowman in summer stuck inside.
Other Way to Say: Feeling left out / Like missing the fun
9. As jealous as a shoe missing its pair
Meaning: Feeling incomplete or lonely.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a shoe missing its pair at the dance. / He felt like the lone shoe when everyone had a buddy.
Other Way to Say: Lonely feeling / Left behind
10. As jealous as a donut without sprinkles
Meaning: Feeling plain or not as special as others.
Sample Sentences: My lunch looked as jealous as a donut without sprinkles. / I was as jealous as a sprinkle-free donut.
Other Way to Say: Plain next to fancy / Wanting something extra
11. As jealous as a turtle without a shell
Meaning: Feeling unprotected and left out.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a turtle without a shell when my friends formed teams. / He felt exposed like a turtle with no shell.
Other Way to Say: Feeling left out / Not part of the group
12. As jealous as a donut watching a cake
Meaning: Feeling small or not as important.
Sample Sentences: She looked as jealous as a donut watching a big birthday cake. / I was the donut next to the party cake.
Other Way to Say: Feeling less / Wishing to be noticed
13. As jealous as a car without wheels
Meaning: Feeling stuck while others move forward.
Sample Sentences: I felt as jealous as a car without wheels watching my friends race. / He was like a still car seeing others go.
Other Way to Say: Stuck and jealous / Watching others go
14. As jealous as a fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling left out or in the wrong place.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a fish out of water at the party. / He looked lost like a fish out of water.
Other Way to Say: Out of place / Wanting to belong
15. As jealous as a bench at recess
Meaning: Not getting to join in on fun.
Sample Sentences: He felt as jealous as a bench at recess when he was grounded. / I sat out like the lonely bench.
Other Way to Say: Not part of the action / Watching fun happen
16. As jealous as a balloon stuck on the ceiling
Meaning: Seeing the fun but not being part of it.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a balloon stuck on the ceiling during the dance. / He floated above, missing the party.
Other Way to Say: Left out / Not in the fun
17. As jealous as a crayon without a coloring book
Meaning: Feeling useless or left behind.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a crayon without a coloring book when others were drawing. / She felt like an unused crayon.
Other Way to Say: Wanting to be included / Not being used
18. As jealous as toast without butter
Meaning: Feeling plain or ignored.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as toast without butter when his sister got extra help. / I felt dry and plain like plain toast.
Other Way to Say: Not as special / Left out
19. As jealous as a snowflake in Florida
Meaning: Feeling out of place or invisible.
Sample Sentences: She felt as jealous as a snowflake in Florida during winter break. / I was the snowflake no one noticed.
Other Way to Say: Out of season / Wanting to fit in
20. As jealous as a dog on a leash
Meaning: Wanting to join but held back.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a dog on a leash when I couldn’t go to the park. / He barked with envy like a leashed dog.
Other Way to Say: Stuck / Held back
21. As jealous as ice cream on a hot day
Meaning: Feeling like you’re losing something fast.
Sample Sentences: She felt as jealous as ice cream on a hot day watching others have fun. / I melted with envy at the beach.
Other Way to Say: Fading out / Losing your spot
22. As jealous as a pencil without paper
Meaning: Wanting a chance to do something.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a pencil without paper during art class. / He waited like a pencil with nowhere to write.
Other Way to Say: Ready but not used / Wanting a turn
23. As jealous as a frog in a desert
Meaning: Feeling like you’re in the wrong place.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a frog in a desert while others swam. / I felt dry and left out.
Other Way to Say: Out of place / Wanting what others have
24. As jealous as a TV without a remote
Meaning: Not in control or unable to choose.
Sample Sentences: He felt as jealous as a TV without a remote when his brother picked the movie. / I just sat and watched.
Other Way to Say: No power / Not part of the choice
25. As jealous as popcorn watching a movie
Meaning: Close to the fun but not part of it.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as popcorn watching a movie without joining in. / I was there but not in the fun.
Other Way to Say: Watching, not doing / Wishing to be part
26. As jealous as a pizza slice left in the box
Meaning: Feeling unwanted or forgotten.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as the last pizza slice no one chose. / I felt like leftover pizza.
Other Way to Say: Ignored / Unpicked
27. As jealous as socks without shoes
Meaning: Feeling like you’re missing something important.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as socks without shoes at the fancy dinner. / She felt incomplete.
Other Way to Say: Not dressed right / Left out
28. As jealous as a kite on a windless day
Meaning: Wanting to soar but unable to.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a kite on a windless day during the talent show. / I felt grounded.
Other Way to Say: Stuck / Can’t shine
29. As jealous as a firefly in the daytime
Meaning: Feeling unseen or unnoticed.
Sample Sentences: She felt as jealous as a firefly in the daytime while others got attention. / I faded in the crowd.
Other Way to Say: Not glowing / Hidden
30. As jealous as a fork at a soup party
Meaning: Not fitting in or being useful.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a fork at a soup party when I wasn’t picked. / He felt out of place.
Other Way to Say: Wrong for the moment / Not included
31. As jealous as a drum at a quiet concert
Meaning: Feeling ready to shine but not given the chance.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a drum at a quiet concert when others performed. / I felt left out with no part to play.
Other Way to Say: Not used / Not part of the moment
32. As jealous as syrup without pancakes
Meaning: Feeling out of place without your match.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as syrup without pancakes when I saw their fun team. / She felt unmatched.
Other Way to Say: Not complete / Missing the other half
33. As jealous as a flashlight with no batteries
Meaning: Wanting to help but unable to.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a flashlight with no batteries during the group game. / I just stood there.
Other Way to Say: Powerless / Can’t join in
34. As jealous as a book without pages
Meaning: Feeling empty or left out of the story.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a book without pages when everyone shared their stories. / I had nothing to tell.
Other Way to Say: Blank / Not part of the fun
35. As jealous as a sandbox in the rain
Meaning: Watching others have fun while you can’t.
Sample Sentences: He felt as jealous as a sandbox in the rain during recess. / I sat and watched.
Other Way to Say: Missed fun / Not ready
36. As jealous as a puzzle missing a piece
Meaning: Feeling like something is missing.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a puzzle missing a piece when my best friend made a new friend. / I didn’t feel whole.
Other Way to Say: Incomplete / Feeling left behind
37. As jealous as a snow boot in summer
Meaning: Feeling unneeded while others shine.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a snow boot in summer when she sat out the game. / I was not part of the fun.
Other Way to Say: Out of place / Unused
38. As jealous as a popcorn kernel that didn’t pop
Meaning: Seeing others succeed while you don’t.
Sample Sentences: He felt as jealous as a popcorn kernel that didn’t pop when he wasn’t picked. / I stayed in the bag.
Other Way to Say: Missed out / Didn’t get a turn
39. As jealous as a swing without a child
Meaning: Waiting to be chosen or noticed.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a swing without a child at the park. / I just swung in the wind.
Other Way to Say: Waiting for a turn / Wanting attention
40. As jealous as a bookmark without a book
Meaning: Feeling like you don’t have a place.
Sample Sentences: He felt as jealous as a bookmark without a book during reading time. / I didn’t belong anywhere.
Other Way to Say: Out of place / Looking for a home
41. As jealous as ketchup without fries
Meaning: Missing your perfect match.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as ketchup without fries at lunch. / She felt like the extra thing no one used.
Other Way to Say: Not needed / Left out
42. As jealous as a whistle with no game
Meaning: Ready to play but not part of it.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a whistle with no game on field day. / I sat and watched.
Other Way to Say: Not used / Not part of the fun
43. As jealous as glue without paper
Meaning: Feeling like you have nothing to stick to.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as glue without paper during craft time. / I had no place.
Other Way to Say: No role / Out of use
44. As jealous as a marshmallow not in the s’more
Meaning: Feeling like you’re missing the best part.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a marshmallow not in the s’more by the campfire. / He didn’t get picked for the best job.
Other Way to Say: Left out / Not included
45. As jealous as a remote with no batteries
Meaning: Wanting to control something but can’t.
Sample Sentences: He felt as jealous as a remote with no batteries during movie night. / I had no say.
Other Way to Say: Powerless / Left out
46. As jealous as a cupcake without frosting
Meaning: Feeling plain next to something better.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a cupcake without frosting at the party. / I wanted more too.
Other Way to Say: Not as fun / Plain feeling
47. As jealous as an eraser during drawing
Meaning: Watching something fun but not part of it.
Sample Sentences: I felt as jealous as an eraser during drawing class. / He was left on the desk.
Other Way to Say: Not used / Just watching
48. As jealous as a pen without ink
Meaning: Feeling like you can’t do what you want.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a pen without ink when others shared their stories. / I had no words.
Other Way to Say: Empty / Not able to join
49. As jealous as a teddy bear on the shelf
Meaning: Watching others get hugs but not you.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a teddy bear on the shelf when his brother got cuddles. / I felt forgotten.
Other Way to Say: Not picked / Feeling left behind
50. As jealous as a chair at a dance
Meaning: Sitting out while others have fun.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a chair at a dance when no one asked her. / I stayed seated.
Other Way to Say: Not chosen / On the side
51. As jealous as a pancake without syrup
Meaning: Feeling like you’re missing something sweet.
Sample Sentences: I felt as jealous as a pancake without syrup on Saturday morning. / She wanted the treat too.
Other Way to Say: Not as tasty / Missing the extra
52. As jealous as a cheerleader off the field
Meaning: Wanting to be where the action is.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a cheerleader off the field on game day. / I cheered from the side.
Other Way to Say: Not in the spotlight / Watching only
53. As jealous as a light bulb with no switch
Meaning: Ready to shine but not turned on.
Sample Sentences: I was as jealous as a light bulb with no switch during the show. / I had ideas but no chance.
Other Way to Say: Dimmed / Not seen
54. As jealous as a straw with no drink
Meaning: Ready to help but not needed.
Sample Sentences: She was as jealous as a straw with no drink at the party. / I just sat there.
Other Way to Say: No job / Not part of it
55. As jealous as a chalkboard with no chalk
Meaning: Feeling like you’re meant to do more.
Sample Sentences: He was as jealous as a chalkboard with no chalk during the lesson. / I wanted to be part of it.
Other Way to Say: Not being used / Waiting for a role
Multiple Choice Questions: Similes for Jealousy
1. What does “as jealous as a cat watching a fishbowl” mean?
A) The cat is full
B) Watching something you want but can’t have
C) Playing with the fish
2. If someone says “he was as jealous as a donut without sprinkles,” what does that mean?
A) He felt plain compared to others
B) He was too sweet
C) He ate all the sprinkles
3. What does it mean to feel “as jealous as a balloon stuck on the ceiling”?
A) Floating too high
B) Wanting to join the fun but can’t
C) Bursting with laughter
4. If you’re “as jealous as a pencil without paper,” how do you feel?
A) Like you want to draw something
B) Like you’re ready but have no way to help
C) Like you’re sharpening yourself
5. “As jealous as popcorn watching a movie” suggests what feeling?
A) Bored during a movie
B) Ready to pop
C) Close to the fun but not included
6. What does “as jealous as a kite on a windless day” suggest?
A) You are flying high
B) You are stuck and can’t show your best
C) You are in a race
7. If someone is “as jealous as syrup without pancakes,” what are they feeling?
A) Sticky
B) Tired
C) Like they’re missing their match
8. “As jealous as a snowman in summer” means what?
A) Cold and happy
B) Out of place while others have fun
C) Playing in snow
9. “As jealous as a chair at a dance” means you feel:
A) Tired of standing
B) Like dancing
C) Left out while others dance
10. If you feel “as jealous as a popcorn kernel that didn’t pop,” what does that mean?
A) You are full of air
B) You didn’t get to shine while others did
C) You’re crunchy
11. “As jealous as a cupcake without frosting” means:
A) You’re delicious anyway
B) You feel plain next to others who seem better
C) You have too much frosting
12. If you say “as jealous as a straw with no drink,” how do you feel?
A) You’re thirsty
B) Ready to help but not needed
C) Cold inside
Answer Key
- B) Watching something you want but can’t have
- A) He felt plain compared to others
- B) Wanting to join the fun but can’t
- B) Like you’re ready but have no way to help
- C) Close to the fun but not included
- B) You are stuck and can’t show your best
- C) Like they’re missing their match
- B) Out of place while others have fun
- C) Left out while others dance
- B) You didn’t get to shine while others did
- B) You feel plain next to others who seem better
- B) Ready to help but not needed
Scoring Guide
- 12 Correct Answers: Love Simile Master!
You really get what these similes mean and how to use them. - 8–11 Correct Answers: Well on your way to understanding love similes.
Great job! Keep using and reading more similes. - 4–7 Correct Answers: Room for improvement, but you’re getting there!
You’re learning! Review the list and keep practicing. - 0–3 Correct Answers: Let’s explore the world of love similes together.
That’s okay! These comparisons take time to understand. Keep reading and trying!
Conclusion
Jealousy is something everyone feels sometimes. It can be hard to explain, but similes help make those feelings easier to understand. When we compare jealousy to things like a cat watching a fishbowl or a donut without sprinkles, it makes the feeling clearer and easier to talk about.
Now that you know many similes for jealousy, try using them in your own stories or when you talk about your feelings. These similes can help you show what you feel in fun and creative ways. Keep practicing, and you’ll get even better at using words that paint a picture.
