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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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 The genetic similarity of the viruses carried by the rodents is not the only obfuscating factor. —

Kate Wong, Scientific American, 14 May 2026 For all their conspicuous differences, Adams and Jefferson shared some important similarities that bound them in these early days. —

Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 Practically all of Clint Eastwood’s films were shot in Spain, given the landscape similarities and the facilities available. —

Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 The similarity is so strong that even the team from the beloved children’s show gave their full backing to name the seahorse relative after Big Bird’s woolly pal. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for similarity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity

resemblance

Noun

The pattern, named for its resemblance to the Greek letter Ω in the jet stream, is slowing the typical west-to-east movement of weather systems.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 14 May 2026
The North American Nebula shines to the lower left of Deneb, named for its resemblance to the North American continent, while the 120-light-year-wide supernova remnant known as the Cygnus Loop glows closer to the horizon.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 11 May 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 23 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of similarity

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