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 Despite the analogous finals matchup, some components of modern life in 2026 may look unfamiliar to the time traveler, while other scenes may strike a similar chord. ABC News, 3 June 2026 For example, a cool-toned gray couch paired with blue and green pillows would be an analogous color scheme. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 31 May 2026 There’s another example of this process that might be more analogous to the age of AI, put forward in a research brief published Tuesday by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 27 May 2026 Finding a single system that simultaneously satisfies all the requirements is analogous to shopping for a car online. Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • Mexico is hoping to receive a similar spark this summer from its own 17-year-old phenom, the midfielder Gilberto Mora.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • The finding mirrors similar investigations into medical schools at UCLA and UC San Diego.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Alvarado, who has comparable stature to Brunson, was wrapped up by Wembanyama and thrown away from the play.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
  • Winner may not substitute, assign or transfer Prize or redeem Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute Prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • But what begins as a mission soon veers into obsession and a dangerous game between two brilliant women who are more alike than either will admit.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 June 2026
  • The Accommodations On Mustique, no two villas are alike.
    Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • MoJo’s Local serves a selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as a lineup of bar snacks such as street tacos, pretzels and chicken wings.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
  • Elite-level football, particularly on FIFA’s watch, seems a world away from such innocence.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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