Synonym Chooser

How is the word similarity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of similarity are analogy, likeness, resemblance, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father
some similarity between the two cases

When could analogy be used to replace similarity?

In some situations, the words analogy and similarity are roughly equivalent. However, analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Where would resemblance be a reasonable alternative to similarity?

The words resemblance and similarity can be used in similar contexts, but resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

In what contexts can similitude take the place of similarity?

While in some cases nearly identical to similarity, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

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 similarity Her March 9 post on Mumsnet garnered passionate responses, with some readers finding similarities to their own past relationships. Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025 Casting striking similarities between fictional tragic events and today’s climate crisis, the series is aiming to highlight the urgency of heeding scientific warnings. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025 This reality becomes easier to see when looking at the similarities between Trump and another transformative president: Franklin D. Roosevelt. Justin Peck / Made By History, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 The similarity in recipes from Morocco and the American South suggests that Moroccan oases may have been a stop in the journey collards took to America. Abderrahim Ouarghidi, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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