similar

similar — adjective

1. almost the same as someone or something else, sharing some features or qualities

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

almost the same as someone or something else, sharing some features or qualities without being identical

Example

Ryo's jacket is similar to Minh's, but has a different collar design.

similar + to + [noun] (comparison)

The two bakeries offer a similar menu, though their prices are quite different.

similar + noun (attributive use)

Common collocations
  • strikingly similar
  • remarkably similar
  • broadly similar
  • roughly similar
  • somewhat similar
Synonyms
  • alike

    usually used predicatively (look alike); less common before a noun

  • comparable

    suggests things can be reasonably compared; often used in formal contexts

  • resembling

    focuses on visual likeness; usually followed by a noun phrase

  • analogous

    more formal; describes similarity in function or structure across different domains

Antonyms
  • different

    the most common opposite; not the same in any relevant way

  • dissimilar

    more formal; completely unlike in important qualities

  • unlike

    emphasises contrast; often used in direct comparisons

Grammar Patterns

be similar to [noun/pronoun]

be similar in [quality]

be very/quite/remarkably similar

Usage Note

Often followed by the preposition 'to' when making a direct comparison (similar to something) or 'in' when specifying a shared quality (similar in appearance). Adverbs such as 'very', 'quite', 'remarkably', 'strikingly', and 'somewhat' commonly modify the adjective to indicate degree.

Common Mistakes

My bag is similar than yours.
My bag is similar to yours.
use 'similar to', not 'similar than'.
The two dresses are same.
The two dresses are similar.
'same' means identical; 'similar' means almost but not exactly the same.

2. in geometry, describing figures that match in form and angle measures, while pos

2.adjective
Definition

in geometry, describing figures that match in form and angle measures, while possibly varying in size or placement

Example

All squares are similar because every square has four equal angles regardless of size.

similar (geometric property of matching angles)

Zuri proved the two triangles are similar by comparing their angles and sides.

prove + [noun] + are similar

Common collocations
  • similar triangles
  • similar polygons
  • similar figures
  • similar shapes
  • geometrically similar
Synonyms
  • proportional

    focuses on the ratio of side lengths rather than angle equality

  • corresponding

    describes matching parts (angles, sides) between two geometric figures

Antonyms
  • dissimilar

    not having the same shape or angle measurements

Grammar Patterns

be similar to [geometric figure]

be similar (of triangles, polygons)

Usage Note

In geometry, 'similar' has a precise technical meaning: two figures are similar if their corresponding angles are equal and their corresponding side lengths are proportional. Do not confuse with 'congruent', which means identical in both shape and size.

Common Mistakes

These two triangles are congruent because they have the same angles but different sizes.
These two triangles are similar because they have the same angles but different sizes.
'congruent' means same shape AND same size; 'similar' means same shape but possibly different size.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Similar is the most neutral and frequently used word for things that share features without being identical. Alike is used predictively ('The twins look alike') but rarely before a noun ('an alike appearance' sounds unnatural). Comparable often appears in formal or evaluative contexts ('comparable salaries', 'comparable performance') and implies things are of the same standard or rank. Analogous is more abstract, describing similarity in function or structure across different domains, such as comparing the human heart to a pump. Resembling focuses mainly on visual likeness and usually appears right before a noun or after a linking verb. For everyday use, 'similar' and 'alike' are the safest choices; 'comparable' and 'analogous' suit more formal writing.

alike ↗comparable ↗analogous ↗resembling

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • similar in appearance
  • similar in style
  • similar to each other
  • bear a close resemblance to

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'similis' meaning 'like, resembling, of the same kind'. The word entered Middle English via Old French 'similaire' in the 1600s, replacing older Germanic words like 'gelīc' (modern English 'alike').