Definition of similaritynext

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 Two weeks later, back in Amsterdam, he was stunned to see another patient with strong similarities. — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 The Lansing Police department announced in a news conference that the five deaths occurred over the last year with unnerving similarities linking all of them, FOX 2 reported. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Then, of course, OpenAI hired the creator of OpenClaw, so there’s probably a lot of similarities there as well for Dots. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 Another reason why ElHosseiny sees similarities between his and Holmes’ goals? — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • Amazon is launching a new lineup of tablets that bear almost no resemblance to any tablet Amazon has ever launched before.
    — David Pierce, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The ongoing heat wave across the Golden State bears little resemblance to weather that reminds people of pumpkin spice and fall leaves, at least for now.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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