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 The pattern bore so many similarities to Dembele’s goal at Anfield in the round of 16. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Investigators linked the blast to the one reported a month earlier at the mall in part because of similarities in the methods and time of day — between 1:45 a.m and 3 a.m. — and a common phone signal that connected to cell towers at both sites. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025 Mississippi River Delta culture in Louisiana and the Mekong River Delta culture in Vietnam share similarities. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 While this may not be a direct response, Banks’ tweets come after fans began to note Banks latest song had stylistic similarities to GloRilla. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • There’s an obvious physical resemblance; born within months of one another in 1969, both actors are tall and lean but muscular, with angular features and, often, light, chin-grazing hair.
    Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025
  • On the menu was bone marrow, charred octopus with tentacles sprawling off the serving platter, and a deep-red cherry jubilee with an uncanny resemblance to blood (Isabelle even used a flambé technique at the table to wow her guests).
    Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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