PARALLEL Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'parallel' contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and similar are common synonyms of parallel . While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things. // the parallel careers of two movie stars

Q: When can 'analogous' be used instead of 'parallel'?

In some situations, the words analogous and parallel are roughly equivalent. However, analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities. // analogous political systems

Q: When would 'similar' be a good substitute for 'parallel'?

While the synonyms similar and parallel are close in meaning, similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other. // all the houses in the development are similar

parallel 1 of 3

adjective

ˈper-ə-ˌlel

Definition of parallel

as in similar

having qualities in common parallel lives of two friends who first met in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

parallel

2 of 3

noun

as in similarity

a point which two or more things share in common her professor pointed out some parallels between the two novels

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in equivalent

one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value an advance that is without parallel in the history of virology

Synonyms & Similar Words

parallel

3 of 3

verb

as in to match

to be the exact counterpart of developments in the television show paralleled those in the lead actor's real life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective parallel contrast with its synonyms?

The words analogous and similar are common synonyms of parallel. While all three words mean "closely resembling each other," parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things.

the parallel careers of two movie stars

When can analogous be used instead of parallel?

In some situations, the words analogous and parallel are roughly equivalent. However, analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categories but nevertheless having many similarities.

analogous political systems

When would similar be a good substitute for parallel?

While the synonyms similar and parallel are close in meaning, similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other.

all the houses in the development are similar

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of parallel

Adjective

But there’s a parallel story of the instinct to protect and rebuild. — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 28 July 2026 This vibrant parallel tradition may account for Colquitt’s greater store of positivity. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

Noun

The Municipal Department of Education (MDE) has reportedly initiated an administrative procedure parallel to the police investigation. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 By casting parallel to a dock or sea wall, each chug of your popper will keep it in the strike zone, giving any bass in the area a chance to eat it throughout the entirety of your cast. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026

Verb

James Joyce’s landmark 1922 novel is broadly structured around The Odyssey, divided into three parts and 18 episodes that parallel Homer’s epic. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026 Al-Zaidi’s visit parallels a trip by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last November, when the White House announced hundreds of billions of dollars in private and public commitments by the two countries. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for parallel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parallel

Adjective

Conditions at similar holding rooms in San Francisco were challenged in a recent lawsuit, and the agency was ordered by a federal judge to improve conditions and reduce the length of time that people were kept there.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Program advances from concept to flight testing Operating the aircraft from multiple locations was another key objective, requiring crews to adapt to changing conditions similar to those expected in contested environments.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

Definition of similar

Noun

Minnesota said investigators identified some similarities in the timing of the recent incidents, in addition to the types of technology impacted, but had not yet confirmed that every incident was carried out by the same actor.

— Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Still, there are enough similarities between what a mouse and a human eat that the data collected by such studies can still apply.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 31 July 2026

Definition of similarity

Noun

According to research from American Association of Retired Persons, nearly 70% of grandparents provide some level of care for their grandchildren, averaging more than 500 hours annually, or the equivalent of 12-and-a-half weeks of full-time work.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Eaton shares are up nearly 4% after Evercore upgraded the electrical equipment maker to a buy-equivalent rating and raised its price target to $502 from $453.

— Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of equivalent

Adjective

Fulton sees it as analogous to the insight embedded in a Visa network but reaching deeper into people's financial lives.

— Peter High, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
The companies describe the technology as analogous to Global Entry for international travelers, in that pre-verified goods move through compliance checks faster because customs isn’t starting a full risk review every time.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Definition of analogous

Noun

The hair and makeup teams emphasize Wilde’s resemblance to those old school maneaters while keeping her look cutting-edge.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
While Viking sagas mention rhythmic chants to aid oarsmen, the dramatic, coordinated movements seen today bear little resemblance to actual Viking rowing techniques.

— Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of resemblance

Noun

Shopping around online, however, is key as online banks often have better rates than their in-person counterparts, thanks to lower maintenance and overhead costs.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Inside, the scenery is far more elaborate than in its outdoor counterparts as there is no danger of it getting bleached by the sun or blowing away.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of counterpart

Adjective

Taking 4 million barrels off the market would be roughly comparable to the amount that China stopped importing during the war – an action oil analysts say has helped keep energy prices relatively low despite the record-smashing oil supply shock.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
The system is still expanding, but new units are contributing more of the overall growth as comparable sales moderate.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of comparable

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paragraphers

parallel

paralleled

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Style

“Parallel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parallel. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of parallel

adjective

noun

verb

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