Definition of similarnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective similar contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and parallel are common synonyms of similar. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

When can analogous be used instead of similar?

The synonyms analogous and similar are sometimes interchangeable, but analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

In what contexts can parallel take the place of similar?

While the synonyms parallel and similar are close in meaning, parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

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 similar Nick Saban did a similar U-turn, going back to LSU as the Alabama head coach after a crash and burn in the NFL. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026 Some German regional governments, as well as the Danish and Dutch governments, are on a similar mission, as are some European banks and universities. Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a similar recall. Justina Lee, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 This, to be absolutely clear, is not a criticism of Guehi or any similar player in his position. Nick Miller, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similar
Adjective
  • Despite this, as Victoria Fuller, head of Cleveland Police, pointed out, the local force receives £139million ($187m) less funding than, for example, its counterpart in Surrey, south of London, despite a comparable population.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • California pump prices are now comparable to levels last seen in early June, according to AAA.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • So says Ana Trias, president of prestige and fashion brands at Puig, who sees consumer behavior in fragrances becoming more analogous with fashion.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • That suggests the possibility of traffic strategies targeting such neighborhoods, analogous to child safety efforts focused on schools and their surroundings.
    Paula Span, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • America's most affluent suburbs are more alike than different.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • According to author Caroline Hallemann—whose book The Kennedys and the Windsors came out on June 2—the two women were even more alike than meets the eye.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The state law defines such programs as those that develop proficiency in both English and another language by offering instruction in a classroom that is typically a mix of native speakers of English and of the other language.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • By the turn of the century, such devices were ubiquitous, joining airbags and antilock breaks as standard safety features.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Similar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similar. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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