Definition of analogousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective analogous contrast with its synonyms?

The words parallel and similar are common synonyms of analogous. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

When can parallel be used instead of analogous?

While the synonyms parallel and analogous are close in meaning, parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

When is it sensible to use similar instead of analogous?

The synonyms similar and analogous are sometimes interchangeable, but similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

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 analogous This project, in Carl’s mind, is roughly analogous to the civil-rights activism of the 20th century. Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 StubHub said the demand for Game 3 tickets at MSG is analogous to the Super Bowl. Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 4 June 2026 Despite the analogous finals matchup, some components of modern life in 2026 may look unfamiliar to the time traveler, while other scenes may strike a similar chord. ABC News, 3 June 2026 For example, a cool-toned gray couch paired with blue and green pillows would be an analogous color scheme. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • In March, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors adopted a similar ordinance, charging violators per firework instead of per incident.
    Velvet Wu June 25, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • The high court issued similar rulings last year that allowed the administration to revoke the legal protection for Venezuelans.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • While RVing can save money on food, the total cost can be comparable to other road trips.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Developed in partnership with the University of Bremen, the wheels were originally heavier and narrower than comparable conventional pneumatic wheels.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to author Caroline Hallemann—whose book The Kennedys and the Windsors came out on June 2—the two women were even more alike than meets the eye.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 June 2026
  • Podiatrists and Oprah alike love Vionic shoes for their orthotic-level comfort disguised with designer-level style, and the Kearny sneakers are proof.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Venezuelan authorities typically activate emergency assessment and response protocols following major seismic events, including inspections of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, bridges, highways and electrical systems.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • The bill is intended to get Cal Fire’s pay within 15% of benchmark local fire departments such as Los Angeles, Fresno and San Francisco.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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