Definition of similarnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective similar contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and parallel are common synonyms of similar. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

When can analogous be used instead of similar?

The synonyms analogous and similar are sometimes interchangeable, but analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

In what contexts can parallel take the place of similar?

While the synonyms parallel and similar are close in meaning, parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of similar Speaking about his process, Woolston said that when comparing countries with similar budget ranges, variables become make-or-break factors. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 15 July 2026 Osaka has followed a similar path through fashion and beauty partnerships, most recently through a series of high-profile on-court entrances. Nethumi Kannangara, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026 Thinking Machines said Inkling performs well on various benchmarks compared to similar open-weight offerings. Shirin Ghaffary, Fortune, 15 July 2026 In another instance, the school district partnered with an organization similar to Habitat for Humanity to build homes on land donated to the district. Taylor O'Connor 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for similar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similar
Adjective
  • The compensation study completed last December showed many positions were at or above the 50th percentile among comparable agencies, including the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and Cameron Park Community Services District.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • The Dominican Republic hasn’t hosted a multisport competition of comparable scale since the 2003 Pan American Games.
    Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Any autonomous physical unit must demonstrate something at least analogous to an understanding of the laws of the physical world.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026
  • Quantum versions of many classic math problems also come with analogous quantum proofs.
    Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • America's most affluent suburbs are more alike than different.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • According to author Caroline Hallemann—whose book The Kennedys and the Windsors came out on June 2—the two women were even more alike than meets the eye.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Smith was not authorized to do such training, Swinehart alleges.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Industry experts say such competitions increase public awareness while helping validate technologies including motion control, dynamic balance, impact resistance, and key mechanical components under demanding conditions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Similar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similar. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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