Similar: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'similar' when talking about things that are almost the same but not identical.

• Both houses are similar in size and design

Use 'alike' when expressing that two or more things look or behave in the same way.

• The twins look very much alike

Use 'comparable' when you can compare two things in certain respects, often to highlight their similarities or differences.

• The two plans are comparable in their cost, but one offers more benefits

Use 'analogous' in more formal or scientific contexts to describe things that can be compared in certain ways because they are alike in some respects.

• The wings of a bird and those of a bat are analogous structures

Use 'like' casually to describe things that have similarities to each other. This word is often used in informal conversations.

• Her dress is just like mine

Use 'similar' when comparing two or more things that share common characteristics but are not exactly the same.

• Their hairstyles are quite similar
• The two books have similar themes

Use 'counterpart' when referring to someone or something that has the same function or position in a different place, entity, or organization.

• The CEO met with her counterpart in the rival company
• The European Union’s counterpart in the trade talks will be the United States

Use 'match' to describe when two things are very similar and complementary or to denote an exact correspondence.

• Her shoes match her dress perfectly
• The detective was able to find a match for the fingerprints at the crime scene

Use 'equivalent' to describe something that is equal in value, amount, function, or meaning, but may not be exactly the same in all aspects.

• One mile is roughly equivalent to 1
• 6 kilometers
• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, meaning small preventive measures are equivalent to significant remedial actions