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 The companies describe the technology as analogous to Global Entry for international travelers, in that pre-verified goods move through compliance checks faster because customs isn’t starting a full risk review every time. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 Any autonomous physical unit must demonstrate something at least analogous to an understanding of the laws of the physical world. ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026 Quantum versions of many classic math problems also come with analogous quantum proofs. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026 The timelines are just different, and finding analogous industries to benchmark defense companies against is not easy. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • Schore makes a similar distinction when discussing workplace anger.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The side pockets are great for water bottles and similar, while the front pocket and inner pocket securely hold your phone, wallet or other small items that could get lost in the bottom of your back.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Shields said that out-of-state tuition would be around $55,000, a figure comparable to programs at other schools in the region, such as Mississippi State University, Oklahoma State University and Louisiana State University.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Aug. 2026
  • SignalTrace uses a different method, and no independent study has shown comparable performance.
    Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • America's most affluent suburbs are more alike than different.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • According to author Caroline Hallemann—whose book The Kennedys and the Windsors came out on June 2—the two women were even more alike than meets the eye.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Just last year, the US reached a record high of such attacks, including its first fatality since 2022, according to a report published by the Anti-Defamation League.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Yet Rosenwald understood that people who command such great resources also have a responsibility to use these resources to help others.
    Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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