Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

similarity

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of similarity

1 the quality or state of having many qualities in common
  • The similarity between the two essays is too great to be coincidental—one author virtually copied the other.
Synonyms of similarity

alikeness, community, comparability, correspondence, likeness, parallelism, resemblance, similitude
Words Related to similarity

semblance

affinity, analogousness

equation, equivalence, equivalency, par, parity

identicalness, identity, sameness

correlation, relationship

exchangeability, interchangeability

accordance, agreement, compatibility, conformity, congruity
Near Antonyms of similarity

inequality

conflict, polarity

incompatibility, incongruence, incongruity, incongruousness, nonconformity

disproportion, imbalance, inequality, nonequivalence
Antonyms of similarity

difference, disagreement, discrepancy, disparateness, disparity, dissimilarity, dissimilitude, distinctiveness, distinctness, unlikeness
2 a point which two or more things share in common
  • The only similarity between this project and the last one is that both will involve some lab work.
Synonyms of similarity

common denominator, congruity, correspondence, parallel, resemblance, similitude
Words Related to similarity

counterpart, equal, equivalent

analogy

homology
Near Antonyms of similarity

difference, discrepancy

deviance, divergence, incongruence, incongruity

change, modification, variation
Antonyms of similarity

dissimilarity

Synonym Discussion of similarity

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy 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
resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.
    • statements that bear little resemblance to the truth
similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.
    • two schools of social thought showing points of similitude
analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.
    • pointed out analogies to past wars

Learn More about similarity

  1. See words that rhyme with similarity Dictionary: Definition of similarity Spanish Central: Translation of similarity Nglish: Translation of similarity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of similarity for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up similarity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games