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

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

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

Of course, no influencer plot would be complete without the threat of online cancellation — and just when things can’t get any worse, Natalie enters the parallel universe of the past. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Then try to direct the swimmer to swim parallel to shore. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

Noun

Meanwhile, with the country living in terror under Homelander’s reign, Kripke previously noted that the real-world political parallels in Season 5 are coincidental, as the concluding episodes were written before the 2024 election. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026

The former city comptroller, who worked parallel to ex-Speaker Adams, has accused Goldman of being in the pocket of big-money special interest groups like the America Israel Political Action Committee, or AIPAC. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026

Verb

This mystery dumpling craze parallels that of plushy Labubu dolls, which became a worldwide sensation last year after Lisa, a performer in K-pop group Blackpink, was spotted sporting the toy. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026

The book paralleled Plath’s own experiences with depression; the writer tragically died by suicide just a month after the novel’s first UK publication. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026