Synonyms of analogy

analogy

noun

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.

Related Words

• metaphor
• simile
• device
• euphemism
• code word
• idiom
• circumlocution
• conceit
• dead metaphor
• crank
• expression
• figure of speech
• catachresis
• mixed metaphor

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.

Related Words

• equivalent
• similarity
• counterpart
• homology
• equal
• parallel
• resemblance
• commonality
• common denominator
• similitude
• correspondence
• congruity

Dissimilar Words

• difference
• discrepancy
• divergence
• variation
• modification
• change
• incongruity
• deviance
• incongruence
• dissimilarity

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

Recent Examples of analogy

There was actually a speech in the lab at the beginning where the scientist used that analogy. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026

Earlier in the season, Cronin offered an analogy to describe Freeny’s motor. —Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026

In the analogy at the beginning, the patient refuses to change behavior while wondering why their health does not improve. —Eugene Litvak, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026

There are analogies to the suspense that a pregnant woman must feel. —Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026