A good similarly synonym tells your reader that the next point matches the last one. The most useful swaps are likewise, in the same way, by the same token, correspondingly and, in relaxed writing, plain also.
Hunting for another word for similarly? Check its job first. As an opener it links two ideas (Similarly, the second study found...). Inside a sentence it describes how something is done (the twins dress similarly). Each job takes different replacements, so the lists below keep them apart. For the full family of linkers, browse our linking word hub.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
likewise, in the same way, by the same tokenPart of speech
Adverb, often a sentence connectorMost formal
correspondingly, analogously, in like mannerMost casual
same with, the same goes for, dittoAntonyms
conversely, by contrast, in contrastWatch out
Likewise cannot describe manner. "They dress likewise" sounds wrong; write "they dress alike".Punctuation
Put a comma after it at the start of a sentence.
Each similarly synonym sorted by job: connector or manner
| Job in the sentence | Replace with | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Opens a sentence, links a parallel point | likewise, in the same way, by the same token, correspondingly | Likewise, rural clinics reported longer waits. |
| Says how something is done | alike, in a similar way, the same way, comparably | The two bridges were built the same way. |
| Matches the amount or degree | equally, just as | The sequel was just as long. |
| Chat and texts | also, too, same with | Same with my brother, he hates mornings. |
From same with up to correspondingly
Those five chips grade the swaps by register, chatty on the left, starchy on the right. Same with belongs in speech. Also rarely sounds out of place, though it adds rather than compares. In the same way is plain and clear, even for younger readers. Likewise is tidy and slightly formal, a favorite in reports. Correspondingly is the most formal, and it often hints that one change follows another: prices rose and demand fell correspondingly.
Similarly sits near likewise on this strip. Swap between them to avoid repeating yourself in a long comparison paragraph.
Rewriting real sentences
- Cats sleep a lot. Similarly, owls rest by day becomes Owls, likewise, rest by day.
- Similarly, the second survey showed low trust becomes In the same way, the second survey showed low trust.
- Wages rose, and rents rose similarly becomes rents rose correspondingly.
- The sisters laugh similarly becomes the sisters laugh alike.
- If you cheat once, you will be tempted again. Similarly, small lies grow becomes By the same token, small lies grow.
- I'm tired. Similarly, Sam is tired becomes Sam is tired too.
Choosing the right linker for the task
Academic essays: likewise, correspondingly and in the same way keep a comparison crisp. Use by the same token when the second point follows the same logic, not just the same pattern.
Work emails: likewise works well in short replies ("Likewise, I look forward to meeting you"). In longer messages, also or in the same way read as friendlier.
Speech and texts: say same with, same here or me too. Nobody says correspondingly over coffee.
A history paper reads: "Similarly, France raised taxes. Similarly, Spain cut spending." Trading the second for "Spain, by the same token, cut spending" breaks the echo and shows that both moves came from the same pressure.
Lookalikes that change the logic
- Furthermore and moreover add a new point. They do not say the points match.
- Identically means exactly the same, which is far stronger than similarly.
- As well adds, but it sits after the verb phrase, rarely up front.
- Likewise after a verb of manner sounds wrong, so keep it as a connector or a reply.
If you need the adjective, the similar synonyms page covers alike, comparable and parallel.
Words that point the other way
When the next idea differs, switch to a contrast word. Conversely suits a reversed relationship. In contrast and by contrast compare two different cases. On the other hand weighs two sides.
- Northern farms grew wheat. In contrast, southern farms grew rice.
- Higher fees cut demand; conversely, lower fees raised it.
Placing it in the sentence
As an opener, the connector takes a comma: Likewise, the data held steady. In the middle, set it off with two commas: The data, likewise, held steady. With a semicolon, join two full clauses: Sales dipped; correspondingly, staff hours fell. Short words like also and too need no commas in most cases.
Frequently asked questions
Is likewise the same as similarly?
As a connector, almost. Both say the next point matches. Likewise cannot describe how something is done, so the dogs bark similarly cannot become the dogs bark likewise.
Which similarly replacement sounds most formal?
Correspondingly and analogously are the most formal. Correspondingly fits numbers that move together, while analogously fits arguments built on the same reasoning.
Can a sentence start with similarly?
Yes. It is a normal sentence opener in essays, followed by a comma. Just avoid opening two sentences in a row with it.
What can replace similarly in a casual message?
Use also, too, same with or the same goes for. They sound natural in chat while keeping the meaning.
What is the opposite of similarly?
The main ones are conversely, in contrast, by contrast and, for weighing two sides, on the other hand. Choose conversely for a reversed pattern and in contrast for two different cases.
Does by the same token mean similarly?
Close. It says the same reasoning applies to the next point, so it is a little more logical in flavor than a simple likeness.