similar
Americanadjective
-
having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way.
two similar houses.
- Synonyms:
- like
- Antonyms:
- different
-
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.
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 ratio Compare congruent
-
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 )
Related Words
See same.
Other Word Forms
- nonsimilar adjective
- quasi-similar adjective
- self-similar adjective
- similarity noun
- similarly adverb
- unsimilar adjective
Etymology
Origin of similar
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”; cf. simplex) + -āris -ar 1
Compare meaning
How does similar compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Similar things are alike. If you and your best friend both like walking, mystery novels, and chocolate, and you both dislike jogging, science fiction, and Brussels sprouts, the two of you have similar tastes. The Latin root for similar is similis, meaning "like." If two movies have similar plots, you might like one better because it has a better script or more interesting actors. If you're tired of being told how similar you are to your long-haired, friendly mother, you could cut your hair. Or start being rude. Remember that similar ends in "lar" even though it might not sound like it.
Vocabulary lists containing similar
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Over centuries, similar conceptions of alien harbors grew in the minds of mystics and scientists, sometimes leading to fatal clashes with dominant religious doctrines.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is "united, more than ever before" in a statement on X. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf issued similar statements in which they described Iran's "iron unity".
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
If a lawsuit were to be filed, it would join similar legal actions filed in several countries, including China, Australia and the U.S., over Tesla’s self-driving claims.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026
The games should face limits similar to those imposed on other high-risk industries, including age restrictions and strict advertising rules.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
But we were similar enough that it was useless trying to explain the difference to people like Smithy.
From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
