parallel 1 of 3

parallel

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noun

parallel

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective parallel contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and similar are common synonyms of parallel. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

When can analogous be used instead of parallel?

In some situations, the words analogous and parallel are roughly equivalent. However, analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

When would similar be a good substitute for parallel?

While the synonyms similar and parallel are close in meaning, similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

Examples of parallel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The film follows parallel journeys between the group and Engenes. Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Oct. 2024 Baron Cohen will play an unrepentant womanizer who finds himself in a parallel world dominated by women. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024
Noun
Explore the parallels between Rain and the iconic franchise heroine, Ripley and learn how filmmakers brought back a face from the past. Jack Dunn, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024 For all the parallels, a reader would be unlikely to mistake one novel for the other. Mark Athitakis, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024
Verb
There are some stylistic and genre parallels between Unsettled and Saint Clare. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 July 2024 The fall hiring season typically parallels the busy recruitment cycle of January and February, which are peak months for interviews as staff return from vacations, according to Indeed. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parallel 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parallel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near parallel

Cite this Entry

“Parallel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parallel. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on parallel

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