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 war between Russia and Ukraine is not perfectly analogous to contingencies that the United States may face in the future, and not every lesson in Ukraine is applicable to U.S. military planning, but this war is nonetheless full of instructive technological innovations and breakthroughs. Jon Finer, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025 And the concho found fans across the world—especially among people who see its plight as analogous to their own, and who have latched on to it as a symbol of resilience. Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025 The Alcaraz-Skinner barn burner averaged 1.76 million viewers, up 8% versus 2024’s analogous Alcaraz-Alexander Zverev match on NBC (1.62 million). Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025 The most analogous member of the Dirty Pardon Hall of Shame is Clinton's waiver of fugitive financier Marc Rich. Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • This doesn’t come without challenges, especially with junior staff who haven’t weathered similar storms before.
    Philip A. Nardone, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Sykes described the signs of bird flu in cats as a severe and rapidly progressive disease that can look similar to rabies.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 15 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
Adjective
  • Retail giants like Barnes & Noble, and publishers like Scholastic alike host summer reading programs for kids, while many libraries and bookstores across the country continue to spearhead their own.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Why Open Networks Make Sense Supply chains are deeply complex, and no two systems are alike.
    Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And by applying American power in such energetic, omnidirectional fashion, Trump has revealed much about the true state of world affairs.
    Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • Lawyers and advocates are concerned about that kind of uncertainty over the legal status and safety of such migrants, said Michelle Mittelstadt, a spokesperson for the Migration Policy Institute.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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