Synonyms of parallel

parallel 1 of 3

adjective

ˈper-ə-ˌlel 

as in similar

having qualities in common

parallel lives of two friends who first met in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

• similar
• analogous
• comparable
• like
• alike
• such
• corresponding
• matching
• identical
• equivalent
• cognate
• synonymous
• akin
• twin
• resembling
• resemblant
• correspondent
• connate
• related
• same
• on the order of
• suchlike
• virtual
• ditto
• commensurate
• proportionate
• relatable
• consistent
• tantamount
• allied
• equal
• coincident
• interchangeable
• redundant
• homogeneous
• uniform
• kindred
• duplicate
• entire
• approaching
• conforming
• conformable
• congeneric
• congenial
• coextensive
• close
• indistinguishable
• homogenous
• consonant
• kin
• substitutable
• connatural
• unvarying
• fungible
• approximating
• congenerous
• unchanging
• selfsame
• me-too
• unvaried

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• different
• dissimilar
• unlike
• diverse
• various
• distinct
• disparate
• distinguishable
• variable
• varied
• varying
• unakin
• nonequivalent
• unrelated
• noninterchangeable
• inexact
• inaccurate
• unconnected
• imprecise

parallel

2 of 3

noun

1

as in similarity

a point which two or more things share in common

her professor pointed out some parallels between the two novels

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in equivalent

one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value

an advance that is without parallel in the history of virology

Synonyms & Similar Words

• equivalent
• counterpart
• coordinate
• partner
• peer
• fellow
• colleague
• rival
• equal
• coequal
• match
• like
• analogue
• double
• companion
• compeer
• competitor
• half
• twin
• associate
• mate
• copartner

parallel

3 of 3

verb

as in to match

to be the exact counterpart of

developments in the television show paralleled those in the lead actor's real life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• match
• correspond (to)
• complement
• mirror
• equal
• conform (to)
• coordinate (with)
• supplement
• harmonize (with)
• counterbalance
• blend (with)
• go (with)
• approach
• echo
• near
• come (to)
• measure (up)
• rival
• counterpoise
• amount (to)
• add up (to)
• suggest
• partake (of)
• repeat
• image

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective parallel contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and similar are common synonyms of parallel. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

When can analogous be used instead of parallel?

In some situations, the words analogous and parallel are roughly equivalent. However, analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

When would similar be a good substitute for parallel?

While the synonyms similar and parallel are close in meaning, similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of parallel

Adjective

The sci-fi romance drama, about a woman named Ivy (played by Clarke) navigating two parallel universes with different love interests, costars Édgar Ramírez and Jack Farthing. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

Bend your knees and sit back so that your thighs are parallel to the floor, and your shins remain perpendicular. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026

Noun

In parallel, efforts to strip inspectors general (IG) of their independence have undermined many of the federal agencies that rely on them for oversight and accountability. —Lucy Lang, Time, 10 June 2026

North Korea started the Korean War by crossing the 38th parallel and invading South Korea with support from the USSR. —USA Today, 9 June 2026

Verb

Their rise parallels growing curiosity about volcanic wines and the role geology plays in shaping character and place. —Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

In this way, democracy parallels jazz. —Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026