Definition of similarnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective similar contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and parallel are common synonyms of similar. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

When can analogous be used instead of similar?

The synonyms analogous and similar are sometimes interchangeable, but analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

In what contexts can parallel take the place of similar?

While the synonyms parallel and similar are close in meaning, parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

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 similar Since then, several of King's former boxers have sued him on similar allegations of fraud. PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 In the wake of their second stoppage-time winner in Champions Cup this year, LAFC’s coach and players felt similar about their chances in the second leg. Josh Gross, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 Friday will be partly cloudy with similar conditions from the previous three days. Joseph Dames, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 However, plenty of other foods offer similar benefits. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similar
Adjective
  • In comparable territory, The Outsiders keeps things earnest, and even Stranger Things, for all its loopiness, plays its baby-monster antihero story tragic and straight.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The legislation also includes the implementation of a public online database displaying information on DCF’s performance comparable to federal standards and additional mandatory training for DCF employees.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What’s going on there is analogous to what the oil business did in Houston and Dallas.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Indeed, in star-forming regions such as the Trifid, the radiation sculpts the nebulosity in a way that is somewhat analogous to how wind sculpts rocks in the desert.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Accommodations On Mustique, no two villas are alike.
    Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rooms In the Agassiz mansion, no two rooms are alike.
    Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Its most frequent use comes in local, nonpartisan races for offices such as school board or city council.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • No such mystery surrounded the whereabouts of Daniel Kinahan, the forty-eight-year-old Irishman who was arrested in Dubai on April 17th.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Similar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similar. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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