SIMILARITY Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

similarity

noun

ˌsi-mə-ˈler-ə-tē

Definition of similarity next

as in resemblance

the quality or state of having many qualities in common the similarity between the two essays is too great to be coincidental—one author virtually copied the other

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in commonality

a point which two or more things share in common the only similarity between this project and the last one is that both will involve some lab work

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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 But any fun-house mirror similarities between the Kane trade and the deals Johnson and the Canucks executed on Monday are largely superficial. —

Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 June 2026 That’s not to say that there aren’t some similarities between the Gotham City gangster in The Penguin and Los Angeles private investigator of Sugar. —

Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026 Gambling disorder is now classified in the same section in the DSM as substance abuse disorders because of the similarities in clinical presentation and treatment. —

Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Yes, there are similarities between two workplace series where a season takes place over a compressed period of time. —

Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for similarity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity

resemblance

Noun

Gomez's wedding guest dress also bore a striking resemblance to her 2025 Oscars dress, a custom off-the-shoulder piece by Ralph Lauren.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
This airy maxi dress bears a striking resemblance to the one Karen Allen wore in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which just happens to be one of my favorite movie costumes of all time.

— Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of resemblance

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similarities

similarity

similarly

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“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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