similarly
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of similarly
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How does similarly compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
When you do something similarly, you do it nearly the same way as someone else. At a school bake sale, you might decide to price your brownies similarly to your friend's Rice Krispie treats. Use the adverb similarly to describe something that's done in a way that mirrors or almost duplicates something else. If one little boy dresses up in a red cape at preschool, his best friend might costume himself similarly, in a red scarf and crown. When your neighbor tells you about her vacation in Hawaii, you might be inspired to travel similarly. The word comes from the adjective similar, which means "resembling," and has a Latin root, similis, "like."
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.
Sahir West, a Baltimore native, was similarly anchored by gratitude throughout his move to UCLA.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
The lawyers' association similarly expressed "grave concern" and demanded investigation.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
"Our findings could help geologists reinterpret other ancient continental interiors where similarly large gaps occur in records, offering a better understanding of how Earth's continents have changed over hundreds of millions of years."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026
Target’s non-merchandise sales similarly rose on growth for its digital-advertising business, membership program and Target+ marketplace.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
“Dr. Westminster had a similarly nice way with animals,” she said to herself.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
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.
