Each similar synonym has a place on a scale running from "loosely connected" to "exactly the same." Related is at the loose end, comparable and alike sit in the middle, and matching and nearly identical come close to a perfect copy. Picking the right spot keeps your comparison honest.
Below is another word for similar for each degree of likeness, plus the grammar quirks that trip writers up, sample swaps and antonyms. The same synonyms page covers words for a perfect match.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
comparable, alike, akin, related, parallelPart of speech
Adjective (adverb: similarly; noun: similarity)Most formal
analogous, akin, comparableMost casual
pretty much the same, kind of likeAntonyms
different, dissimilar, distinctWatch out
Alike rarely comes before a noun. Write the twins look alike, not the alike twins.
Every similar synonym in a quick table
| Word | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|
| comparable | comparable to or with | The rent is comparable to last year's. |
| alike | after the verb | The two logos look alike. |
| akin | akin to | The taste is akin to roasted nuts. |
| analogous | analogous to | A cell wall is analogous to a fence. |
| parallel | before a noun or parallel to | They followed parallel careers. |
| like | like plus noun | I want a jacket like yours. |
Most of these take to, just as similar does. Like is the exception: it takes the noun directly.
Grammar traps with alike and like
Alike is an odd adjective. It usually follows the verb: the houses are alike. It also works as an adverb meaning equally: teachers and parents alike praised the plan. Do not say alike to; that pairing is wrong.
Like is a preposition here, so drop the to: similar to a lemon becomes like a lemon. Its other meanings are covered under like synonyms.
Swaps that read better
- The results were similar becomes the results were comparable.
- Their stories are similar becomes their stories run parallel.
- A feeling similar to fear becomes a feeling akin to fear.
- Similar dresses becomes matching dresses.
- Similar fields like physics and chemistry becomes related fields like physics and chemistry.
- The brothers look similar becomes the brothers look alike.
Lab report: "Our method was similar to the first study, and the results were also similar." Revised: "Our method mirrored the first study, and the results were comparable." Two different words, no echo.
Words for similarly and similarity
For the adverb, likewise, in the same way and correspondingly are the main swaps; see similarly synonyms. For the noun similarity, try resemblance, likeness, parallel and overlap. Resemblance is mostly about appearance, while overlap suits shared ideas or skills.
Antonyms: when things are not alike
Different is the everyday opposite. Dissimilar is formal and often used with numbers or data. Distinct stresses a clear line between two things. Contrasting means the difference is striking, such as contrasting colors.
- The two plans are distinct in cost and timing.
- She wore a jacket in a contrasting shade.
The different synonyms page lists more.
Frequently asked questions
Which similar synonym sounds most formal?
Analogous, comparable and akin are formal. Analogous works best when you compare how two systems function.
Can I use same instead of similar?
Only when there is no difference. Same means identical, while similar allows some differences.
Is alike a synonym for similar?
Yes, but it usually goes after the verb: the cars are alike. It does not take to.
What is another word for very similar?
Nearly identical, much the same, virtually the same and indistinguishable all fit. Indistinguishable is the strongest.
What is the opposite of similar?
Different and dissimilar are the main antonyms. Distinct and contrasting add emphasis.
What is a word for similar in an essay?
Comparable and analogous suit essays. Use parallel when two events or trends develop side by side.