similarity

noun

sim·​i·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsi-mə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce similarity (audio)
-ˈla-rə-
plural similarities
1
: the quality or state of being similar : resemblance
2
: a comparable aspect : correspondence
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of similarity in a Sentence

I doubt that these words are related beyond a similarity in sound. The books share a similarity of ideas. I see a lot of similarities in them. Looking at these fossils, I see some similarity to modern-day birds. I see very little similarity between your situation and his.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Midi, The Unseen Sister has some outward similarities with your last film Nina Wu, as there’s an actress as the lead character, she’s exploited by the men around her, and the entertainment industry is portrayed as quite negative. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024 There are similarities between former President Donald Trump and President Biden on long-term armed forces strategy, but in the run-up to the 2024 election, stark differences in Harris and Trump's view of the military's role have emerged. Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024 Five things to watch out for in Week 9 of the NFL season The play bore striking similarity to another all-time great catch at MetLife Stadium. Ben Morse, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 These similarities have led some to argue that Germany’s universal child care system could offer a blueprint for supporting American mothers, a tangible example of what real investment in working women could look like. Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for similarity 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin similāritāt-, similāritās, from Medieval Latin similāris similar + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of similarity was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near similarity

Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/similarity. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

similarity

noun
sim·​i·​lar·​i·​ty ˌsim-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce similarity (audio)
plural similarities
1
: the quality or state of being similar : resemblance
2
: a point in which things are similar : correspondence

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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