Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective analogous contrast with its synonyms?

The words parallel and similar are common synonyms of analogous. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

When can parallel be used instead of analogous?

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

the parallel careers of two movie stars

When is it sensible to use similar instead of analogous?

The synonyms similar and analogous are sometimes interchangeable, but similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

Examples 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 analogous Why financial crises are analogous to mass extinctions. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 In the case of flatware, the analogous dish might be ice cream alone, where the fork would be superfluous. Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025 Since the analogous financial period in 2021, the operator has lost 31% of its video customers, which works out to a net loss of 858,200 subscribers. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Jan. 2025 Exposure of the photoresist on wafers was commonly accomplished at the time by a process analogous to photographic contact printing. IEEE Spectrum, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for analogous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for analogous
Adjective
  • Methods for easing back pain are similar to those for managing general period pain and discomforts before and during your period.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The post quickly drew responses from other travelers sharing similar frustrations.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Buckle’s limited store count expansion to 445 locations by September 2024 (from 440 in 2021) has had a minimal impact on revenue growth, which is instead driven primarily by comparable store sales.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Mitchell, who is averaging 23.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 40 percent shooting from 3-point range, has comparable numbers to Garland but a much higher profile.
    Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Various bills filed in Congress since Trump first announced his plans are more alike than not, but among the differences is the handling payroll taxes, including FICA, which helps fund Medicare and Social Security.
    Matthew Glowicki, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Its 69 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and some have private landscaped terraces with wooden trellises sparkling with lights, but no two rooms are alike.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, TIME, 25 July 2024
Adjective
  • But Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said no such request was made.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • And the protections shouldn't be such that someone who's incompetent is allowed to stay in a job.
    Mo Rocca, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near analogous

Cite this Entry

“Analogous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/analogous. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on analogous

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