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When describing objects, ideas, or experiences that closely resemble one another, we often use the term “similar.” Still, there are many similar synonyms that can add nuance and precision to our descriptions. By selecting the most appropriate synonym, we enrich our language and enable a more precise and evocative expression.
Similar Synonyms
What Is “Similar”?
“Similar” is an adjective we use to describe two or more entities that share common characteristics, yet are not exactly the same. It implies a degree of likeness that can encompass appearance, structure, or function.
List of Synonyms for Similar
- Akin
- Analogous
- Comparable
- Like
- Matching
- Parallel
- Resembling
- Equivalent
- Homogeneous
- Identical
- Congruent
- Consistent
- Correlative
- Kindred
- Cognate
- Related
- Allied
- Corresponding
- Twin
- Uniform
- Of a kind
- Coextensive
- Cut from the same cloth
- Much the same
- Tweedledum and Tweedledee
- On par
- Peas in a pod
- Undifferentiated
- Interchangeable
- Synonymous
- Consonant
- Harmonious
- In the same manner
- In the same way
- Clone
- Copy
- Facsimile
- Carbon copy
- Mirror image
- Look-alike
- Dead ringer
- Doppelganger
- Counterpart
- Approximate
- Near
- Close
- Tantamount
- Commensurate
- Proportional
- Equivalent to
- On a par with
- In the vein of
- Along the lines of
- In the ballpark
- Much of a muchness
- As good as
- Not unlike
- Almost identical
- Indistinguishable
- Homologous
- Of the same ilk
- Coequal
- On the order of
- In the same category
- In the same class
- Of the same order
- In the same league
- Of that ilk
- In a similar vein
- Reminiscent of
- In the same family
- Not dissimilar
- Like two peas in a pod
- Like as two peas
- Of the same mind
- Congeneric
- Coinciding
- Duplex
- Selfsame
- Coordinated
- Unvaried
- Unvarying
- Much the same as
- Twinning
- One and the same
- Tweedledee and Tweedledum
- As like as two peas
- Birds of a feather
- Like peas in a pod
- Spitting image
- In the same boat
- Of one mind
- On the same wavelength
- On the same page
- Kindred spirits
- Of the same stripe
Types of Synonyms for Similar
Comparable
These synonyms suggest a degree of resemblance that allows things to be compared.
- Alike: Often used when things are of such nature that one can easily be mistaken for the other.
- Comparable: This implies that two or more items have enough in common to merit comparison.
Analogous
Words in this category draw a parallel in function or circumstance between two items.
- Analogous: Suggests a similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise unlike.
- Parallel: Indicates that two or more items correspond to each other in some way.
Related
Synonyms that emphasize a sense of relationship or connection between things.
- Kindred: It describes things that are similar because they are related in some way.
- Homogeneous: Refers to a group where all members/elements are of the same or a similar kind.
Common Synonyms for Similar
Similar vs. Same
The word “similar” implies that two or more things have attributes in common, but they’re not completely the same. On the other hand, “same” indicates that there is no difference whatsoever between the items in question.
- The twins have similar interests, such as a love for painting and music.
- They wore the same dress to the party, making it hard to tell them apart.
Similar vs. Identical
“Identical” is a step beyond “similar” and is closer to “same.” It suggests that two or more things are the same in every detail.
- Our opinions are similar; we both prefer action movies over comedies.
- Both smartphones have identical features including the same processor and camera quality.
Similar vs. Equivalent
While “similar” implies a likeness, “equivalent” denotes equal value or function, often in a different form or context.
- The designs of the two buildings are similar, with large windows and modern lines.
- The two currencies are not similar in appearance, but they are equivalent in value.
Similar vs. Familiar
“Familiar” indicates a level of knowledge or recognition, suggesting that something is well-known rather than just being “similar”.
- The plot of the movie is similar to one I’ve seen before.
- Her face was familiar to me, but I couldn’t remember her name.
Synonyms for Similar in Different Contexts
In Comparisons
- Akin: The two novels are akin in theme but differ in execution.
- Analogous: The structure of an atom is analogous to our solar system.
In Mathematics or Measurements
- Commensurate: The results were commensurate with our expectations.
- Proportionate: The bonus was proportionate to the amount of sales generated.
In Describing Relationships
- Kindred: We discovered we had kindred interests in classical music.
- Allied: Their company is allied with ours in the technology sector.
In General Usage
- Comparable: These two brands are comparable in quality and price.
- Like: They sell products like ours, but with different branding.
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Similar
Absolute Synonyms for Similar
Absolute Synonyms | Meanings |
---|---|
Akin | Of similar nature or qualities. |
Analogous | Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way which makes clearer the nature of the things compared. |
Identical | Similar in every detail; exactly alike. |
Matching | Complementary or similar in detail. |
Equivalent | Equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc. |
Near Synonyms for Similar
Near Synonyms | Meanings |
---|---|
Comparable | Able to be likened to another; similar. |
Like | Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to. |
Alike | Similar to each other. |
Parallel | Occurring or existing at the same time or in a similar way; corresponding. |
Corresponding | Similar to, connected with, or caused by something else. |
Synonyms for Similar with Examples | Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common synonyms for the word ‘similar’?
Some commonplace synonyms for “similar” include “alike,” “comparable,” and “analogous.”
How can I find words with meanings close to ‘similar’?
We can use a thesaurus or online synonym databases to discover words with close meanings to “similar,” such as “akin” or “resembling.”
Could you provide a list of words that are nearly identical to ‘similar’?
Certainly, words nearly identical to “similar” encompass “equivalent,” “matching,” and “corresponding.”
Which words serve as antonyms to ‘similar’?
Antonyms to “similar” would be “different,” “dissimilar,” or “unlike.”
What’s a sophisticated term that means the same as ‘similar’?
A more sophisticated term that conveys the same idea as “similar” is “homologous.”
Can you suggest a word that conveys a nuanced difference but is alike to ‘similar’?
For a nuanced difference, yet alike to “similar,” we might use “congruent,” which suggests a high degree of similarity, including harmony in size and shape.
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