dissimilar

adjective

dis·​sim·​i·​lar (ˌ)di(s)-ˈsi-mə-lər 

-ˈsim-lər

: not the same or similar : different or unalike

people with dissimilar backgrounds

dissimilar materials

The responsibilities of the resident were not dissimilar to those of the intern …

—James D. Hardy

dissimilarly

(ˈ)di(s)-ˈsi-mə-lər-lē 

-ˈsim-lər-

adverb

Synonyms

• different
• disparate
• distant
• distinct
• distinctive
• distinguishable
• diverse
• nonidentical
• other
• unalike
• unlike

Examples of dissimilar in a Sentence

The two movies are very dissimilar.

The writers have dissimilar backgrounds.

The question is not dissimilar to one asked earlier.

Recent Examples on the Web

Aside from team success, the scenario is not all that dissimilar to what happened at times with the Sabres — the Oilers’ opponent on Saturday. —Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

Probably not too dissimilar from watching it, for those who have seen it now. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2024

Officials also highlighted deportation flights taking place, but immigration experts were quick to point out that the numbers and operations were not too dissimilar to those seen under former President Joe Biden. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025

With all of the extra ballot capacity now in play, perhaps fresh looks will be given to Andy Pettitte (27.9% in 2025) and Mark Buehrle (11.5%), whose career numbers are not all that dissimilar to Sabathia’s. —Tony Blengino, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin dissimilāris, from Latin dis- dis- + Medieval Latin similāris similar

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dissimilar

• not dissimilar

Kids Definition

dissimilar

adjective

dis·​sim·​i·​lar (ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)im-ə-lər 

: different sense 1, unlike

dissimilarity

(ˌ)dis-ˌ(s)im-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

noun

dissimilarly

(ˈ)dis-ˈ(s)im-ə-lər-lē 

adverb