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

As global acceptance grows, these formats are giving rise to a parallel content economy defined by speed, scalability and lower production thresholds. —Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026

This technology could transform biological research in the same way that parallel processing reshaped computing and DNA sequencing. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026

Noun

This system of favoring certain chiefs and giving development projects to certain communities and not to others has strong parallels with the system practiced by oil companies in the region today. —Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026

There'll be a lot of things going in parallel. —John Ramos, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Verb

But perhaps the most significant factor in Krishnamoorthi’s fundraising success has been his ability to tap into a largely affluent Indian American community, whose growth and increasing political engagement — and giving — has paralleled his own rise. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Cost of living catch Not surprisingly, inflation paralleled swings in oil prices. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026