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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Both Kerwin and Mathai say the key similarities between the programs are in the details, but not the narrative of a relentless charge up the soccer pyramid. —

Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026 Shop Now What are the similarities between your music and your style? —

Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 11 Feb. 2026 But apparently the record and Euphoria season three do have similarities. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026 But there are more similarities. —

Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similarity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity

resemblance

Noun

From its immense wealth to the stability of its institutions, the United States bears little resemblance to Haiti.

— Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026
Lee’s home is nestled in the Bordeaux community, a traditionally African American neighborhood in northwest Nashville named for its resemblance to the southwestern French city.

— Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of similarity

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