Definition of analogousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective analogous contrast with its synonyms?

The words parallel and similar are common synonyms of analogous. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

When can parallel be used instead of analogous?

While the synonyms parallel and analogous are close in meaning, parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

When is it sensible to use similar instead of analogous?

The synonyms similar and analogous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 analogous Indeed, in star-forming regions such as the Trifid, the radiation sculpts the nebulosity in a way that is somewhat analogous to how wind sculpts rocks in the desert. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026 These are not real feelings, Anthropic’s researchers emphasized, but patterns in the model’s neural activations that guide its responses, shaping decisions, preferences, and outputs in ways loosely analogous to human emotions. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026 Compared to last year, arrests were down 14% citywide over an analogous 30-day spring break period, according to Miami Beach police. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026 Vehicles As Connected Digital Platforms The transition is analogous to earlier shifts in digital devices. Gjoko Muratovski, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • On the topic, Becerra noted that the state should work with an AI company to ensure that data centers stay in California and operate in a manner that benefits residents rather than causing issues similar to other states.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • On Thursday, a tipster sent us a copy of a similar bulletin drafted by Nissan in anticipation of a similar supply crunch—and an accompanying price hike for service departments.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • In January, the FCC issued new guidance over the equal time rule, which requires broadcasters that feature a political candidate on their airwaves offer comparable time to rivals, if it is requested.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • Morgan Rielly, the high-end comparable Drance found for Buium, is also a key comparable according to Buium’s current Net Rating profile.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Accommodations On Mustique, no two villas are alike.
    Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rooms In the Agassiz mansion, no two rooms are alike.
    Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The brazen rush-hour theft — partially dismantling an in-service subway train while riding on it — is at least the second such act in a week.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
  • The property features water conservation features such as dual-flush toilets and low-flow fixtures, with refillable aluminum water bottles and water bottle refill stations.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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