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 Community Improvement Funds To Protect Birds Fundación Natura Bolivia (Natura) has a similar approach to conservation. Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 Teachers’ unions across the state have been in similar struggles with other districts. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 The next batch of world-changing companies should follow a similar blueprint. Bill Ready, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026 In recent months, other attorneys have raised similar claims in cities also grappling with a surge of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Matt Rivers, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similar
Adjective
  • In a comparable case in the United States in 2023, a federal judge imposed $5,000 fines on two lawyers and a law firm after ChatGPT was blamed for their submission of fictitious legal research in an aviation injury claim.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • At the center of this movement is OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, whose generative AI models represent a general-purpose capability—comparable to the steam engine or electric motor—that can amplify nearly every form of knowledge work.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cash App This app is analogous to Venmo.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
  • This would be analogous to having one arm tied behind your back.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Humans and wildlife alike feast on the fruit, with a taste between a banana and a pineapple and a custard-like texture.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025
  • One of my pieces was authenticated through eBay, and the leather, stitching, canvas, and quality are alike.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • How can conservation plans or fisheries management strategies be effective if such species remain largely unseen?
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Until now, combining such materials with complex 3D microstructures remained out of reach.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Similar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similar. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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