Another Word for Similar: 9 Synonyms with Examples
“Similar” describes things that are alike but not identical. The right synonym signals how close the resemblance is.
As an adjective: alike in some way but not the same
- alike
- comparable
- like
- related
- analogous
- equivalent
- close
- corresponding
- parallel
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- alike
- Comes after the noun or verb (“the twins look alike”), never before it.
- comparable
- Means close enough to compare fairly, often in quality, size or price.
- analogous
- Formal; used when two situations work in the same way, often to explain one through the other.
- equivalent
- Stronger: equal in value, amount or function.
- related
- Suggests a connection or shared origin rather than resemblance.
Example sentences
- alike: The two houses look almost exactly alike from the street.
- comparable: Prices here are comparable with those in other big cities.
- analogous: The heart is analogous to a pump.
- equivalent: A degree from either university is treated as equivalent.
- related: Anxiety and poor sleep are closely related.
Opposite of similar
- different
- dissimilar
- unlike
- distinct
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “similar”?
The most useful alternatives are “alike”, “comparable”, “like”, “related”, “analogous”. For the main sense (alike in some way but not the same), “alike” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “alike” and “comparable”?
alike: Comes after the noun or verb (“the twins look alike”), never before it. comparable: Means close enough to compare fairly, often in quality, size or price.
What is the opposite of “similar”?
Common antonyms are “different”, “dissimilar”, “unlike”, “distinct”.