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 That scientist, Anne O’Donnell-Luria, sent a request to a geneticist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., for more information about patients with the same genetic change, or similar ones in nearly the same place. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025 The Phillies faced a similar dilemma last year and opted to trade for outfielder Austin Hayes, but he was injured and sick before eventually being cut from the team. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 More than a dozen House Democrats have co-sponsored the resolution, and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has put forward a similar measure in the Senate. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 June 2025 During the conversation, the actress floated her theory as to why Full House clicked, and continues to click, with audiences more so than other similar shows of the era. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for similar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similar
Adjective
  • In fact, this valuation is roughly comparable to that of its competitor SoFi, which was profitable last year and has demonstrated a quicker customer growth rate.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Must-read: The FT has a lengthy feature on how climate change is causing a systemic crisis in the property insurance business on a scale comparable to the 2008 financial crisis.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lawsuits challenging Trump administration cuts in grant funding by other agencies, such as the Department Health and Human Services, have made analogous arguments.
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Mycelium is analogous to the roots of a plant (although mushrooms are fungi, not plants).
    Skye Chilton, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Why Open Networks Make Sense Supply chains are deeply complex, and no two systems are alike.
    Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Adaptability Is Key No two performances are alike because no two audiences are alike.
    Dr. Jen Donnell, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For centuries, explorers relied on such vantage points to map their surroundings.
    Ben Verghese, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Google signed a deal to buy power generated through nuclear fusion, only the second such agreement to use the as-yet-unviable technology.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similar. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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