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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 Lily’s arc of self-awakening has similarities to that of Poor Things’s Bella Baxter, in a fin de siècle romantic Satanist kind of way. Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025 While both share similarities, including a history that spans over 200 years, the Farmers' Almanac and The Old Farmer's Almanac are different. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025 What are the similarities or differences in your approach to recording music or taking on an acting role? Michael Saponara, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025 But the similarities end there. Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • That Bezos up on stage bore a strong resemblance to the one who attended high school in Miami.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • First, the aircraft’s fuselage emerged from inside a specialized cargo plane, known as an Airbus Beluga because of its resemblance to beluga whales.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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