definitions

similar

[ sim-uh-ler ]
/ ˈsɪm ə lər /
||
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.

RELATED CONTENT

IDMRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
IDMRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

simian virus, simian virus 40, simianity, simianization, simic, similar, similarity, similarity transformation, similarly, simile, similia similibus curantur

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

SYNONYMS FOR similar

1 like, resembling. See same.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR similar ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

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

Examples from the Web for similar

British Dictionary definitions for similar

similar

/ (ˈsɪmɪlə) /

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 Forms

similarity (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