Synonym Chooser

How is the word similarity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of similarity are analogy, likeness, resemblance, and similitude. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father
some similarity between the two cases

When could analogy be used to replace similarity?

In some situations, the words analogy and similarity are roughly equivalent. However, analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Where would resemblance be a reasonable alternative to similarity?

The words resemblance and similarity can be used in similar contexts, but resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

In what contexts can similitude take the place of similarity?

While in some cases nearly identical to similarity, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

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 similarity The keto and carnivore diets both restrict your carbohydrate intake, but their similarities stop there. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 17 Apr. 2025 The list of coincidental similarities in a class of objects goes on and on. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025 This theory shows how Mars, despite sharing a few similarities with Earth, has a much different history full of unexpected surprises. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025 Despite surface similarities, there was no official connection between the two shows. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
Noun
  • In photos obtained by PEOPLE, PK was seen wearing head-to-toe black from his blazer to his shoes, while Shana — who has a striking resemblance to Dorit — was dressed in a white crop top, a matching midi skirt and chunky heels.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The subplot bears at least some resemblance to the current headlines about the family of Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and O’Connor admits that it’s been bizarre to see his long-gestating sequel become this relevant in real time.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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