similarity

noun

sim·​i·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsi-mə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-

plural similarities

1

: the quality or state of being similar : resemblance

2

: a comparable aspect : correspondence

Synonyms

• alikeness
• community
• comparability
• correspondence
• likeness
• parallelism
• resemblance
• similitude

Choose the Right Synonym for similarity

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy 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

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of similarity in a Sentence

I doubt that these words are related beyond a similarity in sound.

The books share a similarity of ideas.

I see a lot of similarities in them.

Looking at these fossils, I see some similarity to modern-day birds.

I see very little similarity between your situation and his.

Recent Examples on the Web

The seasonal, seven-course menu often features a Louisiana rice offering that emphasizes the similarities between New Orleans jambalaya and the Senegalese version of jollof rice. —Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2024

As the film alternates between the two arcs, the similarities appear superficial at first: gatherings of three, guitars given as presents, a younger generation seeking counsel from their elders. —Lauren Ro, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024

The demo had an uncanny similarity to Johansson’s assistant in Her, leading to headlines and even a Saturday Night Live joke about the comparison. —Jacob Kastrenakes, The Verge, 21 May 2024

Historians agree there are a number of similarities between the two college protest movements, including themes of international injustice as well as a backdrop of broader criticism of American higher education systems. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin similāritāt-, similāritās, from Medieval Latin similāris similar + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing similarity

• self-similarity
• there the similarity ends

Kids Definition

similarity

noun

sim·​i·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsim-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

plural similarities

1

: the quality or state of being similar : resemblance

2

: a point in which things are similar : correspondence