dissimilar

adjective

dis·​sim·​i·​lar (ˌ)di(s)-ˈsi-mə-lər 

-ˈsim-lər

: not the same or similar : different or unalike

people with dissimilar backgrounds

dissimilar materials

The responsibilities of the resident were not dissimilar to those of the intern …

—James D. Hardy

dissimilarly

(ˈ)di(s)-ˈsi-mə-lər-lē 

-ˈsim-lər-

adverb

Synonyms of dissimilar

• different
• diverse
• distinctive
• distinct

Examples of dissimilar in a Sentence

The two movies are very dissimilar.

The writers have dissimilar backgrounds.

The question is not dissimilar to one asked earlier.

Recent Examples on the Web

The historic decision was not dissimilar to that of the 1978 conclave that elected John Paul II. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

The piece celebrates the music, culture and incredible leaps for humankind made during that summer, while also reminding us that our history isn’t so dissimilar from our present. —Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

Some experts said the conclusions were meaningless because the review swept under one umbrella drugs that had shown very dissimilar results and worked differently. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Apr. 2026

Symbiosis refers to a close association between two dissimilar organisms that may benefit or harm one or both organisms. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dissimilāris, from Latin dis- dis- + Medieval Latin similāris similar

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dissimilar

• not dissimilar

Rhymes for dissimilar

• similar

Kids Definition

dissimilar

adjective

dis·​sim·​i·​lar (ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)im-ə-lər 

: different sense 1, unlike

dissimilarity

(ˌ)dis-ˌ(s)im-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

noun

dissimilarly

(ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)im-ə-lər-lē 

adverb