analogy

1
as in metaphor
a way of describing or explaining one thing by means of describing another with which it shares certain points or qualities The teacher used the analogy of a common pipeline to explain bandwidth on the Internet.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in equivalent
resemblance in certain points or qualities between two or more otherwise unlike things The study made note of analogies between human and ape social behavior.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word analogy distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of analogy are likeness, resemblance, similarity, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

How do likeness and similarity relate to one another, in the sense of analogy?

Likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father
some similarity between the two cases

When might resemblance be a better fit than analogy?

In some situations, the words resemblance and analogy are roughly equivalent. However, resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

When is similitude a more appropriate choice than analogy?

While in some cases nearly identical to analogy, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

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 analogy One analogy that doctors use is to think of the nervous system as an automobile. Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 1 May 2025 To use a boxing analogy, the Giants at least have to get to one knee next season. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025 The Leader Versus Manager Distinction During one recent conversation, Bond explains her perspective with a compelling analogy about cheerleaders forming a pyramid. Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 As an analogy, imagine that these properties are colors. Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for analogy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogy
Noun
  • Without that essential kernel of referentiality, there can be no metaphor at all.
    Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025
  • As for Bayern, today’s result against RB Leipzig was a good metaphor for the Rekordmeister’s season.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Still, there are definitely similarities between the siblings, who are all graduating from Texas Tech’s College of Media & Communication.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • There are definite similarities between Federal and Georgian-style architecture, as Federal can be viewed as an evolution of the latter.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, their moderate counterparts desire greater tax relief for those states with higher state and local tax systems and more generous assurances for Medicaid coverage.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 May 2025
  • The union says its members want parity with their counterparts who work for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad.
    Patrick McGeehan, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Analogy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogy. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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