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 And while the ship may have many similarities, the interior leans into a modern design that has been a hallmark of the MSC ships before it. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025 The results suggested that felines may have imitative skills and the ability to recognize behavioral similarities. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 On their own, those similarities wouldn’t necessarily cause confusion. Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2025 In the Wrigley Field clubhouse, Rea sees similarities to the 2024 Brewers team that caught a wave of momentum early and rode it all season, spending 180 days in first place. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • There’s an obvious physical resemblance; born within months of one another in 1969, both actors are tall and lean but muscular, with angular features and, often, light, chin-grazing hair.
    Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025
  • On the menu was bone marrow, charred octopus with tentacles sprawling off the serving platter, and a deep-red cherry jubilee with an uncanny resemblance to blood (Isabelle even used a flambé technique at the table to wow her guests).
    Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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