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 timelines are just different, and finding analogous industries to benchmark defense companies against is not easy. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 2 July 2026 To some investors, the current moment is analogous to the dotcom bubble of the late 1990s. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 25 June 2026 The four-year ban is analogous with the maximum punishment for intentional doping. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Ali, who has been the series’ resident mentor, father figure, listening ear, voice of reason and confidant, transforms into what is most analogous to an action hero in a revenge plot. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • Conditions at similar holding rooms in San Francisco were challenged in a recent lawsuit, and the agency was ordered by a federal judge to improve conditions and reduce the length of time that people were kept there.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • Program advances from concept to flight testing Operating the aircraft from multiple locations was another key objective, requiring crews to adapt to changing conditions similar to those expected in contested environments.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Taking 4 million barrels off the market would be roughly comparable to the amount that China stopped importing during the war – an action oil analysts say has helped keep energy prices relatively low despite the record-smashing oil supply shock.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The system is still expanding, but new units are contributing more of the overall growth as comparable sales moderate.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 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
  • Later on Friday, Infantino said the plan was to strengthen such bodies, not divide world soccer.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2026
  • However, many states still require such reporting, and lawyers advise companies to continue collecting this data voluntarily to avoid future legal issues.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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