similar

[sim-uh-ler]

adjective

1. having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way.

   two similar houses.

   Synonyms: like
   Antonyms: different

2. Geometry.,  (of figures) having the same shape; having corresponding sides proportional and corresponding angles equal.

   similar triangles.

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

similar

/ ˈsɪmɪlə, ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪtɪ /

adjective

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

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

3. maths (of two classes) equinumerous

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 )

Other Word Forms

• similarly adverb
• nonsimilar adjective
• quasi-similar adjective
• self-similar adjective
• unsimilar adjective
• similarity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of similar¹

First recorded in 1605–15; earlier similary, from French similaire or directly from Medieval Latin similāris, equivalent to Latin simili(s) “like, similar” (akin to simul “together”; simplex ) + -āris -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of similar¹

C17: from Old French similaire, from Latin similis

Synonym Study

See same.

Example Sentences

Beneficiaries have a payment card, similar to a debit card, which they can use in supermarkets, grocery stores, and some farmers' markets.

Read more on Barron's

Increasing the share of Treasury bills in federal financing is seen as “backdoor QE” by BofA strategists, similar to the Fed’s quantitative easing.

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Increasing the share of Treasury bills in federal financing is seen as “backdoor QE” by BofA strategists, similar to the Fed’s quantitative easing.

Read more on Barron's

A similar point was raised by tourism officials with Washington, D.C., who said that the city’s 15.95% bed-tax rate is still lower than or on par with a number of prominent municipalities across the country.

Read more on MarketWatch

There’s no cold plunge or similar cold experiences, which I found disappointing in the summer heat, though it may not matter to you.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• akin 
• analogous 
• comparable 
• complementary 
• identical 
• related