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.
Ortega: I just have a very similar background.
From Los Angeles Times
Some of the cases related to serving as an unregistered foreign agent, a charge Bondi ordered prosecutors to stop pursuing unless they involved “conduct similar to more traditional espionage by foreign government actors.”
From Salon
Dimon did say that betting on a prediction market is more similar to gambling than to investing.
From MarketWatch
He also pointed to the relative value compared to nearby coastal markets, noting similar waterfront properties elsewhere often come at a significantly higher price per square foot.
From MarketWatch
Keeping meals similar from day to day and maintaining a steady calorie intake could help people lose more weight, according to research from the American Psychological Association.
From Science Daily
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.
