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.
The steps are for Windows, but they are very similar on Linux.
From Salon
Her experience reminded me of my similar epiphany that adults didn’t necessarily have all the answers.
Mobile internet access has been shut off in Moscow in recent days after similar outages in dozens of regions.
Software developers can use Claude Code and other similar applications as part of their daily workflow to help with specific tasks.
From BBC
Even before ADP’s figures arrived, economists were expecting a similar tally from the official jobs numbers on Friday.
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.
