similar

[ sim-uh-ler ]
See synonyms for similar on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way: two similar houses.

  2. Geometry. (of figures) having the same shape; having corresponding sides proportional and corresponding angles equal: similar triangles.

  1. Mathematics. (of two square matrices) related by means of a similarity transformation.

Origin of similar

1
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”; cf. simplex) + -āris -ar1

synonym study For similar

1. See same.

Other words for similar

Opposites for similar

Other words from similar

  • sim·i·lar·ly, adverb
  • non·sim·i·lar, adjective
  • qua·si-sim·i·lar, adjective
  • self-sim·i·lar, adjective
  • un·sim·i·lar, adjective

Words Nearby similar

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use similar in a sentence

  • It, or a similar bacillus, is sometimes found in the sputum of gangrene of the lung.

    A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
  • A similar state had occurred that 'Karnak night' of a long ten days ago, though he had not understood it then.

    The Wave | Algernon Blackwood
  • The collection in the Academy I thought much better, but still far enough behind similar galleries in Rome.

    Glances at Europe | Horace Greeley
  • Many times, in his dreams and in his waking thoughts, he had lived over scenes similar to this.

    Ramona | Helen Hunt Jackson
  • The wedding breakfast very much resembled the similar festivities at which most of us have assisted.

British Dictionary definitions for similar

similar

/ (ˈsɪmɪlə) /


adjective
  1. showing resemblance in qualities, characteristics, or appearance; alike but not identical

  2. geometry (of two or more figures) having corresponding angles equal and all corresponding sides in the same ratio: Compare congruent (def. 2)

  1. maths (of two classes) equinumerous

Origin of similar

1
C17: from Old French similaire, from Latin similis

usage For similar

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)

Derived forms of similar

  • similarity (ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪtɪ), noun
  • similarly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012