Definition of similitudenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word similitude distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of similitude are analogy, likeness, resemblance, and similarity. While all these words mean "agreement or correspondence in details," similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

When is it sensible to use analogy instead of similitude?

The synonyms analogy and similitude are sometimes interchangeable, but analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

How are the words likeness and similarity related as synonyms of similitude?

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 might resemblance be a better fit than similitude?

In some situations, the words resemblance and similitude are roughly equivalent. However, resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

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 similitude What’s all the more vexing is how this situation thematically collides with Apollo 10 ½, which dramatizes its hero’s closeness to his space-age dreams through its similitude to real life. — Vulture, 17 Oct. 2022 Human performers can play at such similitude, but robots fully embody it. — Sydney Skybetter, Wired, 8 July 2021 Whatever similitude of separation between protesters and police there had been was gone. — Sarah Ladd, The Courier-Journal, 29 May 2020 His adamant individualism is keyed precisely to his rejection of similitude to the manners of anyone else. — Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2020 Here are the top two innovations in iPad cases at CES 2011—standouts in a sea of similitude. — Tyghe Trimble, Popular Mechanics, 8 Jan. 2011
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similitude
Noun
  • Even while exposing the sheer otherness of rock and metal, the piece implies that there is an unexpected similarity between us and inanimate things.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Klobuchar noted the similarities in Atlanta’s and Iowa’s team names and accused Schmitt of relying on false information to suggest Smith had secretly traveled to Atlanta.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In her review of the exhibition, critic Aruna D’Souza sees this resemblance as a blind spot in the show’s curation.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Basically a ribeye with one long rib bone still attached and scraped clean, this cut of meat gets its name from its resemblance to a tomahawk.
    — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Similitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similitude. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster