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 Courtesy of Tara Zadeh The transition from magazines to handbags might seem dramatic, but Zadeh sees clear similarities. Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The approach is complemented by heavy use of the Estevez brothers’ childhood Super 8 movies, genre-bending DIY productions that Charlie notes often bore similarities to the movies their father was making at the time. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025 Other studies found similarities in body weight, while some women were observed to choose dogs with hair or ear length similar to their own. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 Following an opening montage that highlighted some apparent similarities between the lives of its two main characters, Episode 1 of Task set the scene for an inevitable showdown between the pair. Megan McCluskey, Time, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • The look bore a similar resemblance to her 1990s runway style, which almost always included choppy, short — and sometimes spiky — layers no longer than her ears.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, the resemblance was uncanny, from their matching smiles to their auburn-red hair, which Julia wore down in loose waves and Emma styled in a messy ponytail.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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