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 Despite the phonetic similarities, Willimon did not come up with the name Wilmon, but the young farmhand is the next critical step toward Saw’s big scene. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 June 2025 Weary acknowledges the similarities between the two titles. EW.com, 20 June 2025 There are a lot of similarities between MAC schools, and 10 programs have won at least one conference title in the past 20 seasons. Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The similarities here are especially worth noting, since OpenAI accused DeepSeek of stealing or illicitly using ChatGPT tech. PC Magazine, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • No resemblance The recent events in Los Angeles bear no resemblance to Wallace and Alabama’s rejection of federal law and authority.
    Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
  • Aside from a few minor departures from the facts, the scene is remarkably accurate, even if the actor Alex Wolff bears minimal resemblance to the real Alvarez, who was tall, blond, and blue-eyed.
    Alec Nevala-Lee June 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!