parallel 1 of 3

parallel

2 of 3

noun

parallel

3 of 3

verb

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

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 parallel
Adjective
Some of them had parked in a bigger lot to the north and followed the train tracks that ran parallel to the beach. Keith Plocek, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 Directed by Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus, the film centers on Irene, who attempts to avenge her daughter’s death by traveling through parallel universes to repeatedly kill her daughter’s murderer. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 June 2025
Noun
Unsurprisingly, there is a parallel between our contemporary ambivalence toward advanced, labor-saving technology and Rowling’s attitude toward magic in Harry Potter. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 There is a worrisome parallel here to North Korea, which ended cooperation with the IAEA, pulled out of the NPT, and slowly resumed production of highly enriched uranium. Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025
Verb
Sirens is smartest when paralleling the entitlement of 21st century American wealth with Ancient Greek divinity, skewering the insularity and entitlement of these modern plutocrats who throw galas to honor themselves and to torment or seduce the mortals who are their employees and playthings. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 Recently, however, legal scholars, historians, and journalists writing on the Fugitive Slave Law have examined its contemporary influence on, and parallels to, present-day immigration law. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for parallel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parallel
Adjective
  • Last year saw three similar incursions, according to The Associated Press.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
  • From superhero hits like The Umbrella Academy to shows about a group of kids taking on monsters like Goosebumps, here are 15 shows similar to Stranger Things.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • In some cases, the similarities between the Ivy League and prestigious secondary schools are not coincidental, but the result of deep historical ties.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Quilts are also filled, but here the similarities end.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine shakes hands with Coco Gauff of the U.S. after winning the first round women's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • This season, the brand stuck to the classics: silk lounge sets were paired with black one-pieces, and bikinis were matched with flowy skirts and pants.
    Alyssa Hardy, Vogue, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Lawsuits challenging Trump administration cuts in grant funding by other agencies, such as the Department Health and Human Services, have made analogous arguments.
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Mycelium is analogous to the roots of a plant (although mushrooms are fungi, not plants).
    Skye Chilton, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • His allegations bear a striking resemblance to those made by Michaels, who suffered a career-ending ankle break on the final season of Game of Thrones, four years after Pilgrim’s accident.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2025
  • In the photos, the proud mom and her daughter bear a strong resemblance, both posing near the pool with big smiles on their faces.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • All of this determines why Le Bernardin is expensive, but not as much as many others in New York, and considerably less than Parisian counterparts.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Certain types of roofing materials are designed to reflect more sunlight than their counterparts, leading to cooler interiors.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, this valuation is roughly comparable to that of its competitor SoFi, which was profitable last year and has demonstrated a quicker customer growth rate.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Must-read: The FT has a lengthy feature on how climate change is causing a systemic crisis in the property insurance business on a scale comparable to the 2008 financial crisis.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The company works with SpaceX for rides to the International Space Station and coordinates with NASA for the usage of the I.S.S. for its astronauts.
    Brendan Byrne, NPR, 25 June 2025
  • Every frame of every possible film exists as coordinates...
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Parallel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parallel. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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