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 To try to evade the immune system, pathogens develop similarities to human cells as a form of camouflage. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025 But some analysts and investors have been raising eyebrows at the kinds of deals being hatched, seeing similarities to the vendor financing agreements that happened in the latter stages of the Dotcom Bubble. Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025 The similarity between this bubble and the dot-com bubble in the late 1990s worries investors and comes with high financial risks. Nino Paoli, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025 There are other similarities between the automotive and horological world. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • Despite his mother’s wish to keep the boy out of the Hollywood spotlight, his resemblance at 16 to his father was such that he was cast as Robert’s younger brother in Thunder Road.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
  • From jokes about his resemblance to former NBA star Delonté West to comments about the cover hurting the album’s streams, Thug’s provocative art, for the first time, landed flat.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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