parallel 1 of 3

parallel

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noun

parallel

3 of 3

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

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 parallel
Adjective
The major thoroughfare runs parallel to the sea (el mar) and is home to many beachfront rental properties. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025 As of now, both strategies appear to be running on parallel tracks in Washington. Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Noun
But this being the Freaky universe, there are some real parallels with your lives. Jason Sheeler, People.com, 22 July 2025 Although our settings differed, our experiences shared striking parallels. Timothy Holtz, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Verb
Crow-Armstrong’s actions parallel a difficult stretch for the Cubs. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 The season parallels the university’s academic year, starting in September and ending in May. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for parallel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parallel
Adjective
  • Grossberg's attorney plans to file a similar lawsuit in federal court, though, claiming the Democratic representative is entitled to a jury trial.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
  • While geese and sandhill cranes have similar parenting styles, allowing their hatchlings to be fairly independent, Lacy noted unique challenges that come with this unusual family dynamic.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • Martian meteorites have been identified through similarities between the composition of gases trapped in the meteorites with measurements of the martian atmosphere by spacecraft.
    Ben Rider-Stokes, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025
  • Yet the similarities between his last two press conferences continues to be apparent to anyone who attended both.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Other stocks that matched the search criteria for potential outperformers include semiconductor companies Lam Research and Monolithic Power Systems , which have a track record of rising 1.3% and 2.5%, respectively, on the next trading day after earnings.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 25 July 2025
  • Given their soaring popularity over the past three years, matching their Euro 2022 success on Sunday would propel them to another stratosphere.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rounding off the league’s national TV offerings is TBS, which is averaging 358,000 viewers per outing with its non-exclusive Tuesday night telecasts, good for a 17% lift compared to the analogous period in 2024.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • The judge found that California did not present evidence of any historically analogous laws, finding that the laws the state did cite were not similar enough.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Ironically, despite being billed as Disney’s most lifelike Audio-Animatronic, its face bears little resemblance to Walt's leading to a deluge of excoriating criticism from fans.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • That 42-year-old version of Pacquiao, who needed stitches for more than one cut on his face, bore little resemblance to the buzzsaw that won belts across eight divisions.
    Josh Gross, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Losing patience with Putin, Trump has accused his Russian counterpart of being open to a ceasefire during private conversations, only to carry out attacks on Ukraine afterward.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 July 2025
  • Those traits are evident now in his younger counterpart.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a recent note on quantum computing, analysts at Bank of America had to reach way back—way, way back—for a comparable advancement in human history.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 July 2025
  • Burberry’s overall group revenues declined 1% year-on-year on a comparable basis to £433 million ($ 582million) in the June quarter, compared with the 3% decline analysts had forecast in a company compiled consensus.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Sip a cocktail at the Thai Library, serving southern Thai cuisine, or the new open-air 7.8 N bar (reflecting the coordinates of Phuket) and watch the sunset stripe the sky in shades of lavender and rose.
    Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Therefore, any digital image can be represented as a sequence of numbers…Therefore, every photograph that could ever be taken exists as coordinates.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Parallel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parallel. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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