Which term describes a comparison that uses 'like' or 'as'?

The term that describes a comparison using 'like' or 'as' is simile. Similes create connections between two different things to convey meaning or imagery more vividly. By using these words, similes make comparisons explicit, allowing readers to understand the qualities of one item in relation to another. For example, saying "the night sky is like a blanket of diamonds" helps to evoke a specific visual image and feeling.

In contrast, a metaphor implies a comparison without using 'like' or 'as,' suggesting that one thing is another, which can create a more direct and sometimes more powerful connection between the two. Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, often used for emphasis or effect. Imagery refers to descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating mental pictures, but does not inherently involve comparison. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a simile is its use of 'like' or 'as' to draw a comparison.