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 In some ways, shorebirds are analogous to the wolves that hunt the deer and elk populations that eat the tree saplings that become the trees that beavers use to build dams that help the fish—and so on. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 That suggests the possibility of traffic strategies targeting such neighborhoods, analogous to child safety efforts focused on schools and their surroundings. — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 This event is analogous to one geologists observed in 2021, known as the Chamoli disaster in India. — Thor Benson, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026 For Galvani, the frog was an electrical machine analogous to a Leyden jar. — IEEE Spectrum, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • There is also a T-shirt, tank top and denim cap, each sporting similar artwork.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But a key rationale for eligibility rules is to establish bright-line, predictable rules that should promote fair play and competition, with colleges, coaches and athletes treated similarly in similar situations.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The man at the centre of the story eventually represents a level of power comparable to that of the state.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Except for the shift in timing and this year’s sale lasting one day longer, the sale itself was comparable year-over-year.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 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
  • Sessions this year addressed such topics as AI, workforce development, student success, campus safety and ways colleges can adapt to changing technology while meeting students' needs.
    — Brandon Smith, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Walsh is known for styling such clients as Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, Mindy Kaling and Ariana DeBose.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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