SIMILARITY Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

similarity

noun

ˌsi-mə-ˈler-ə-tē

Definition of similarity

as in resemblance

the quality or state of having many qualities in common the similarity between the two essays is too great to be coincidental—one author virtually copied the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in commonality

a point which two or more things share in common the only similarity between this project and the last one is that both will involve some lab work

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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

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 similarity Brunicki said that while there were some similarities with the dot‑com era, the underlying businesses of AI companies look different. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Brooks reflects on the similarities between her and her sisters and the characters in Practical Magic. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Those familiar with Radiolab, which Abumrad founded and co-hosts, will hear the similarities. — Becca James, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 Cirque Dreams, which also offers several other touring shows, used to be regularly confused with Cirque du Soleil strictly because of the similarity of their names. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similarity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity

resemblance

Noun

For his part, Breen says that both dates are false and that the yearbook picture (which bears a striking resemblance to him) is a different person.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
And yes, most everyone will call it the Batmobile, as the resemblance certainly warrants it.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of resemblance

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similarities

similarity

similarly

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“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of similarity

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