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 In 1986, Ed reflected on the similarities Virginia shared with her father. Chantz Martin, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025 But there are still other statistical similarities between their career statistics, according to Pro Football Reference: ◾ Completion percentage: Mahomes has the slight edge 66.6% to Brady's 64.3% in more than two decades. Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 The Charlotte Observer spoke with Michael McCormick, an associate professor and program coordinator at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, to see if there were any similarities between CLT and Reagan National. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025 Skokie schools During Trump’s first term, Skokie’s Village Board approved amendments to its Human Relations code that bear similarities to a Welcoming City ordinance. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for similarity 

Thesaurus Entries Near similarity

Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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