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 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 He was asked why there hasn’t been analogous progress by the men’s national team. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for analogous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • Unfortunately for this part of the Lamborghini customer base, its chief marketing and sales officer Federico Foschini says there are currently no plans to put a similar transmission in one of the marque’s supercars.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
  • Plenty of similar parties benefit from the same big-tent communal mindset.
    Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • The compensation study completed last December showed many positions were at or above the 50th percentile among comparable agencies, including the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and Cameron Park Community Services District.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • The Dominican Republic hasn’t hosted a multisport competition of comparable scale since the 2003 Pan American Games.
    Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 14 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
  • Smith was not authorized to do such training, Swinehart alleges.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Industry experts say such competitions increase public awareness while helping validate technologies including motion control, dynamic balance, impact resistance, and key mechanical components under demanding conditions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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