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

MacKinnon ran a three-man weave high with Toews and Cale Makar, then darted toward the net with Toews making a parallel cut to receive the puck for a go-ahead goal. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026

This time last season, Villa underwent a parallel dip in February, culminating in a galling 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026

Noun

Leadership targeting, missile suppression, and infrastructure strikes are occurring in parallel rather than sequentially. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

Tell me about exploring some of those parallels between the pioneers and the modern-era quarterbacks. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026

Verb

The Clintons' rise to power paralleled the explosion of talk radio as a political force, with Rush Limbaugh using his daily show as a platform to constantly berate the White House. —Steven Sloan The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026

The Clintons' rise to power paralleled the explosion of talk radio as a political force, with Rush Limbaugh using his daily show as a platform to constantly berate the White House. —ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026