Synonym Chooser

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 When The Bell Curve was released, scientists’ best understanding of how genetics influenced human behavior was based on differences and similarities among family members, especially twins. Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025 The similarities extend to the mice’s sensors, as well. PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025 Given the biological similarities between humans and naked mole-rats, the scientists believe so, equipping us with the ability to protect our genome from damage, disabling our cGAS from inhibiting the repair process. New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2025 But Jakucionis hopes their similarities run deeper than that. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • The film bears little to no resemblance to Hart's actual life, besides the fact that Mickey Rooney, who stars as Hart, is closer in height to Hart's diminutive 5-foot stature (Rooney beat Hart by two inches).
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Naturalizer Vivienne Ballet Flats These leather ballet flats bear a striking resemblance to ones that Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in recently.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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