Definition of similaritynext

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 While there are many similarities between the diseases these pathogens cause, there are also defining characteristics which distinguish one from the other. Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026 When the president unveiled the logo, science fiction fans almost immediately called out the similarity to that worn by Captain Kirk and other Starfleet officers in Gene Roddenberry’s enduring, space faring sci-fi franchise. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2026 There are more similarities than differences in Norvell’s and Lashlee’s schemes. Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 The second factor was the similarity between the crimes being committed by Bosnian Serb forces and those of the Nazis during World War II. Aryeh Neier, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • The stock has spent the last six months carving out a broad rounded bottom with some resemblance to an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern.
    Jay Woods, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Any resemblance between the TikTok series and the real-life version of Chairman Tom Ricketts meeting his wife, Cece, in the bleachers is purely coincidental, a Cubs source said.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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