dissimilarity

noun

(ˌ)di(s)-ˌsi-mə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce dissimilarity (audio)
Definition of dissimilaritynext
as in difference
the quality or state of being different the effectiveness of a metaphor largely depends upon the superficial dissimilarity of the two things being compared

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dissimilarity The researchers found a small increase in occupational dissimilarity compared to older graduates, which could reflect early AI effects but also could just as easily be attributed to labor market trends, including employers’ and job-seekers’ reactions to noise about AI replacing workers. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 But the primary dissimilarity from the remainder of the homestand is not the loss but rather the four runs. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 In fact, some dissimilarity between Mojtaba and his father is a plus. — Akbar Ganji, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2025 Whether consumers are confused by the similarity (or dissimilarity) of the two designs goes to the heart of the dispute. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for dissimilarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissimilarity
  1. difference
  2. distinctness
  3. distinctiveness
  4. diversity
  5. contrast
  6. distinction
Noun
  • Gallup found no difference in scam victimization rates by age, and experienced professionals have been duped as well.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The old boy was perfectly reasonable, explaining the difference between federal reimbursement and state reimbursement, and the speed that agencies move on the different levels.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    — Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    — Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Definition of distinctness
Noun
  • Yet, Farrow, Martin and Vega nail the distinctiveness of being a millennial.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The first Captain America movie used this quality of his well, but his character’s distinctiveness gradually faded in subsequent Marvel entries.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
Noun
  • Kwon says this approach encourages diversity, with producers of different ages and backgrounds bringing different tastes into the mix.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Leadership, management and vision; promoting diversity and inclusion.
    — Sonya Thadhani Mughal, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • By contrast, a conventional lithium-ion battery has two electrodes containing materials that store and release energy.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • That allows for absolute black levels and very strong contrast.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of contrast
Noun
  • The robot’s withdrawal also prompted discussion about the distinction between demonstrating mobility and sustaining it under demanding conditions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The distinction matters because, under New York law, falsifying business records isn’t a felony unless it’s done with an intent to commit or conceal a separate crime.
    — Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of distinction

Browse Nearby Words

dissimilar
dissimilarity
dissimilarly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dissimilarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissimilarity. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of abandon

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

The Words of the Week - Nov. 6

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
woman sitting on floor holding book in front of her face on pink background
Famous Novels, Last Lines Quiz Needless to say, spoiler alert.
See All