similar

adjective

ˈsi-mə-lər How to pronounce similar (audio)
Definition of similarnext
as in comparable
having qualities in common the two actresses accidentally wore similar outfits to the same gala

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Now, Wade believes Adebayo and new Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo need to have a similar conversation early in their first season as Heat teammates. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 The experimental treatment, called divarasib, fared better than similar drugs from Amgen and Bristol Myers Squibb in a late-stage study. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 Apollo's investment in Mubadala Capital is similar to deals the firm has done with other asset management platforms, including Diameter Capital, Thoreau, Motive Partners and others. — Scott Wapner, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 Other federal judges made similar rulings in dozens of states across the country. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similar
  1. comparable
  2. analogous
  3. alike
  4. such
Adjective
  • The ads did run at lower rates than comparable spots paid for by Too Extreme for Idaho, according to Federal Communications Commission filings examined by the Statesman.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Coke expects comparable earnings per share to grow at least 11%, up from its prior forecast of an increase in the range of 9% to 10%.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of comparable
Adjective
  • Canada retaliated with its own set of near-analogous duties on more than $20 billion in American goods in early September.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Bayzo's pub is analogous to an English tavern, with creamy cups of clam chowder and a piano likely to launch you into Elton John renditions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of analogous
Adjective
  • America's most affluent suburbs are more alike than different.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • According to author Caroline Hallemann—whose book The Kennedys and the Windsors came out on June 2—the two women were even more alike than meets the eye.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Definition of alike
Adjective
  • This technology would not exist without the development of quantum mechanics over a century ago and many discoveries about fundamental ideas, such atoms and electrons.
    — Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, there will be heavy pressure on Eisenkot to reach a deal with the Arab parties, while Netanyahu and his allies are likely to cast any such alliance as illegitimate and even treasonous.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of such

Browse Nearby Words

silvery
similar
similarities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Similar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similar. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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