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”; simplex ) + -āris -ar 1
Compare meaning
How does similar compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
Amazon’s move follows similar surcharges by UPS and FedEx, with the Postal Service also planning an 8% increase; Amazon stock fell 0.4%.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
Measurements showed an energy use of about 1.4 nanojoules per bit, roughly half that of leading Wi-Fi technologies under similar conditions.
From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026
The Labor Department is clear that these assets are appropriate when they are professionally managed—in target-date funds, managed accounts and similar vehicles that have fiduciaries in charge.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
Intel investors have been reacting positively to its recent announcement of a change to a joint-venture arrangement — and another a similar catalyst may be on the horizon.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026
They were either twins, or just freakishly similar.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
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.
