Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Similar” — 5 Other Ways to Say It
Almost the same but not exactly identical; alike in some ways.
Meaning of Similar
Resembling without being identical; having the same or comparable characteristics.
How to Pronounce Similar
IPA: /ˈsɪmələr/ Stress: Ooo
Stress first syllable "SIM"; final syllable is "ler" like in "dollar".
5 Synonyms for Similar — Words Similar to Similar
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
like
/laɪk/To think that someone or something is nice or good; to enjoy something.
Example: I like pizza for lunch.
analogous
/əˈnæləɡəs/Similar in some important way, even though the things themselves are different. Two things that work the same way or have the same role but come from different sources.
Example: The human brain is analogous to a complex computer system in many ways.
Smart Synonyms for Similar — When to Use Each
alike
for casual comparison of appearance
comparable
for formal or technical comparisons
analogous
for complex conceptual relationships
Antonyms of Similar — Opposite Words
How to Use Similar and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- These two paintings are very similar in style. A2
- My brother and I look similar. A2
- Similar patterns emerged in the data. B2
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Similar
Not natural: These books are similar to each other's.
Better: These books are similar to each other.
"Similar to" takes object; possessive "other's" is incorrect.
Not natural: The results were similar with last year.
Better: The results were similar to last year.
Use "to" after "similar", not "with".
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Similar
What is another word for "similar"?
Common synonyms for "similar" include: alike, comparable, resembling, like, analogous.
What can I say instead of "similar"?
Try one of these alternatives: alike, comparable, resembling, like, analogous. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "similar" formal or informal?
"similar" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "similar" instead of "alike"?
Use "similar" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "alike" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "similar"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "similar" include: different, unlike, distinct.