Synonyms of hold a candle to

hold a candle to

phrase

as in compare (with)

to come near or nearer to in character or quality

This "guilt free" macaroni and cheese doesn't hold a candle to the real thing.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compare (with)
• measure up (to)
• approximate
• reflect
• stack up (against or with)
• match
• approach
• amount (to)
• come (to)
• touch (on)
• mirror
• add up (to)
• border (on)
• verge (on)
• parallel
• duplicate
• equal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hold a candle to

But Nussmeier’s success on the practice fields of Missouri Western State, the Chiefs’ training camp site, doesn’t hold a candle to the NFL stage. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026

That being said, the healthy stuff doesn't hold a candle to the old school ingredients. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

But this $280 card can't hold a candle to the RTX 5050, which features better upscaling support for $300. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026