Definition of similaritynext

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

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 Continue reading … CASH & CAUTION — Tech powerhouse’s regulatory push bears similarities to a notorious Washington strategy. — FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 In fact, for Lulu, a business owner with a PR agency based in London and Shanghai, the price — and design similarities to Galliano’s previous work at Maison Margiela and Dior — was the draw. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 Even while exposing the sheer otherness of rock and metal, the piece implies that there is an unexpected similarity between us and inanimate things. — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 Facial recognition technology relies on AI to analyze the characteristics and patterns of human faces and produce a mathematical value to represent them — which can then be compared against other photos to produce a similarity score. — Kate Payne, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for similarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for similarity
resemblance
Noun
  • Amazon is launching a new lineup of tablets that bear almost no resemblance to any tablet Amazon has ever launched before.
    — David Pierce, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The ongoing heat wave across the Golden State bears little resemblance to weather that reminds people of pumpkin spice and fall leaves, at least for now.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Similarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/similarity. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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