similar

[sim-uh-ler]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR similar ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way: two similar houses.

Geometry. (of figures) having the same shape; having corresponding sides proportional and corresponding angles equal: similar triangles.

Mathematics. (of two square matrices) related by means of a similarity transformation.

Origin of similar

1605–15; earlier similary < French similaire or Medieval Latin similāris, equivalent to Latin simil(is) like, similar (akin to simul together; cf. simplex) + -āris -ar¹

Related formssim·i·lar·ly, adverbnon·sim·i·lar, adjectivenon·sim·i·lar·ly, adverbqua·si-sim·i·lar, adjectivequa·si-sim·i·lar·ly, adverbself-sim·i·lar, adjectiveun·sim·i·lar, adjectiveun·sim·i·lar·ly, adverb

Synonyms for similar

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR similar ON THESAURUS.COM

1. like, resembling. See same.

Antonyms for similar

1. different.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for similar

identical, comparable, complementary, related, akin, analogous, like, agnate, allied, coincident, coincidental, collateral, companion, congruent, congruous, consonant, corresponding, homogeneous, kin, kindred

Examples from the Web for similar

Contemporary Examples of similar

On Dec. 30, she filed a similar lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court.
Ex-CBS Reporter Sharyl Attkisson’s Battle Royale With the Feds
Lloyd Grove
January 9, 2015
Hopefully not overly close, but we talk about it in the episode how similar it is.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS
Marlow Stern
January 8, 2015
Cassandra, whose hair has already begun to fall out from her court-mandated chemotherapy, could face a similar outcome.
Should Teens Have The Right To Die?
Brandy Zadrozny
January 8, 2015
Rates are thought to be similar in developed countries around the world.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models
Carrie Arnold
January 8, 2015
My dad was a sailor, and all through my childhood he was away half of the time at sea, and to an extent I have a similar job.
Belle & Sebastian Aren’t So Shy Anymore
James Joiner
January 7, 2015

Historical Examples of similar

There are other similar passages which I need not now quote.
A Theological-Political Treatise [Part III]
Benedict of Spinoza
But there is no need to dwell further on these and similar conjectures.
A Theological-Political Treatise [Part II]
Benedict of Spinoza
Nevertheless all of them are similar and have a mild, sweet flavor.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 2
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
(in similar vein most of the soliloquies of the name part), Her.
The Dramatic Values in Plautus
Wilton Wallace Blancke
Their preparation for cooking is similar to that of oysters.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 3
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

British Dictionary definitions for similar

similar

adjective

showing resemblance in qualities, characteristics, or appearance; alike but not identical

geometry (of two or more figures) having corresponding angles equal and all corresponding sides in the same ratioCompare congruent (def. 2)

maths (of two classes) equinumerous

Derived Formssimilarity (ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪtɪ), nounsimilarly, adverb

Word Origin for similar

C17: from Old French similaire, from Latin similis

usage

As should not be used after similar: Wilson held a similar position to Jones (not a similar position as Jones); the system is similar to the one in France (not similar as the one in France)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for similar

adj.

"having characteristics in common," 1610s (earlier similary, 1560s), from French similaire, from a Medieval Latin extended form of Latin similis "like, resembling," from Old Latin semol "together," from PIE root *sem- (1) "one, as one, together with" (see same). The noun meaning "that which is similar" is from 1650s. Related: Similarly.