Main Entry:

sim·i·lar

Pronunciation:

\ˈsi-mə-lər, ˈsim-lər\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

French similaire, from Latin similis like, similar — more at same

Date:

1611

1 : having characteristics in common : strictly comparable 2 : alike in substance or essentials : corresponding <no two animal habitats are exactly similar — W. H. Dowdeswell> 3 : not differing in shape but only in size or position

— sim·i·lar·ly adverb

synonyms similar, analogous, parallel mean closely resembling each other. similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other <similar houses>. analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities <analogous political systems>. parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things <the parallel careers of two movie stars>.