Synonyms of parallel

parallel 1 of 3

adjective

ˈper-ə-ˌlel 

as in similar

having qualities in common

parallel lives of two friends who first met in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

• similar
• analogous
• comparable
• like
• alike
• such
• corresponding
• matching
• identical
• equivalent
• cognate
• synonymous
• akin
• twin
• resembling
• resemblant
• correspondent
• connate
• related
• same
• on the order of
• suchlike
• virtual
• ditto
• commensurate
• proportionate
• relatable
• consistent
• tantamount
• allied
• equal
• coincident
• interchangeable
• redundant
• homogeneous
• uniform
• kindred
• duplicate
• entire
• approaching
• conforming
• conformable
• congeneric
• congenial
• coextensive
• close
• indistinguishable
• homogenous
• consonant
• kin
• substitutable
• connatural
• unvarying
• fungible
• approximating
• congenerous
• unchanging
• selfsame
• me-too
• unvaried

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• different
• dissimilar
• unlike
• diverse
• various
• distinct
• disparate
• distinguishable
• variable
• varied
• varying
• unakin
• nonequivalent
• unrelated
• noninterchangeable
• inexact
• inaccurate
• unconnected
• imprecise

parallel

2 of 3

noun

1

as in similarity

a point which two or more things share in common

her professor pointed out some parallels between the two novels

Synonyms & Similar Words

• similarity
• resemblance
• commonality
• common denominator
• correspondence
• similitude
• equivalent
• congruity
• analogy
• counterpart
• equal
• homology

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• difference
• discrepancy
• dissimilarity
• divergence
• variation
• modification
• change
• deviance
• incongruity
• incongruence

2

as in equivalent

one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value

an advance that is without parallel in the history of virology

Synonyms & Similar Words

• equivalent
• counterpart
• coordinate
• partner
• peer
• fellow
• colleague
• rival
• equal
• coequal
• match
• like
• analogue
• double
• companion
• compeer
• competitor
• half
• twin
• associate
• mate
• copartner

parallel

3 of 3

verb

as in to match

to be the exact counterpart of

developments in the television show paralleled those in the lead actor's real life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• match
• correspond (to)
• complement
• mirror
• equal
• conform (to)
• coordinate (with)
• supplement
• harmonize (with)
• counterbalance
• blend (with)
• go (with)
• approach
• echo
• near
• come (to)
• measure (up)
• rival
• counterpoise
• amount (to)
• add up (to)
• suggest
• partake (of)
• repeat
• image

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective parallel contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and similar are common synonyms of parallel. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

When can analogous be used instead of parallel?

In some situations, the words analogous and parallel are roughly equivalent. However, analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

When would similar be a good substitute for parallel?

While the synonyms similar and parallel are close in meaning, similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of parallel

Adjective

The festival will soon announce its opening day slate, which is free, and parallel programming, which will extend the celebration to a full week. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2026

Zakrzewski's widow, Michelle Ross-Stanton, last year filed a parallel civil lawsuit in London, where the couple lived, alleging that Fox did not properly secure the news crew's safety. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026

Noun

Reitman started to think about the parallels between Mariyam’s and Andrew’s stories — two disillusioned kids finding extremist communities online — and the very different ways authorities treated them. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

The parallels between the Iraq invasion and Israel’s assault on Gaza are striking. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Verb

The data paralleled numbers in California, where during this year’s June primary about 93,500 voters had their ballots rejected because they were postmarked or arrived too late to be counted. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

The plot is a movie within a movie, the story paralleling multiple screenplay drafts of the new Stab 3 — the slasher series within the Scream universe based on its real-life events. — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026