Synonym Chooser

How is the word similarity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of similarity are analogy, likeness, resemblance, and similitude. While all these words 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

When could analogy be used to replace similarity?

In some situations, the words analogy and similarity are roughly equivalent. However, analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Where would resemblance be a reasonable alternative to similarity?

The words resemblance and similarity can be used in similar contexts, but resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

In what contexts can similitude take the place of similarity?

While in some cases nearly identical to similarity, similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

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 similarity There were enough similarities between F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent German Expressionist vampire film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror and Dracula that Stoker’s estate was able to successfully sue the film’s producers, ordering all copies of the film to be destroyed. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024 Ken Brown, 59, Julien’s older half-brother, was struck by the similarities in both dearths — both his slain loved one and Hopkins were peacemakers trying to defuse a violent situation. John Annese, New York Daily News, 2 Dec. 2024 The actor himself looks remarkably like Putin, but his face and physique have been altered to enhance the similarities. Peter Bart, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2024 And there are some similarities between working with children and seniors, Marsh said, indicating how art can have similar benefits across all age groups. Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for similarity 

Thesaurus Entries Near similarity

Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on similarity

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