SIMILAR Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

similar

adjective

ˈsi-mə-lər

Definition of similar next

as in comparable

having qualities in common the two actresses accidentally wore similar outfits to the same gala

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Inserting curse words randomly at any point in the search query seems to have a similar effect. —

Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025 The South took a similar but divergent path towards firefighting — one guided by its practice of slavery. —

Justin Hawkins / Made By History, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025 While its thousands of mini LED clusters can't provide the same contrast as MicroLED’s millions of lights, its similar potency provides the same striking brightness alongside remarkable color accuracy. —

Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2025 In Southern California, a similar situation could hurt not only the rebuilding efforts but also preparations for the 2028 Olympics. —

Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for similar

Recent Examples of Synonyms for similar

Adjective

In late January, Prom compared online prices at Aldi and Walmart to prices for comparable items at two relatively high-end supermarkets: Whole Foods and a local ma-and-pa chain.

— Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
While administrative positions have grown by 9%, faculty numbers have shrunk by 14%, creating the highest student-faculty ratio among nine comparable state colleges.

— Andrea Apa, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025