similar
SIMILAR means alike or comparable; this seven-letter word scores 9 Scrabble points and has three one-letter neighbours.
Adjective 3 meanings
Having traits or characteristics in common; alike, allied, comparable.
“My new car is quite similar to my old one, except it has a bit more space in the back.”
Having the same shape, in particular, having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional.
Of two square matrices; being such that a conjugation sends one matrix to the other.
Noun 2 meanings
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
A material that produces an effect that resembles the symptoms of a particular disease.
Etymology
From French similaire, from Medieval Latin similaris, extended from Latin similis (“like”); akin to simul (“together”).
Similar and opposite words
SIMILAR is an everyday word, ranked 595th in the frequency data, with a count of 17,016. Its main sense describes things alike in quality or form; in geometry, it describes figures with corresponding angles equal and sides proportional. For word-game play, the nine-point tile total is modest.
SIMILAR at a glance
- SIMILAR has seven letters and scores 9 points before board bonuses.
- Every tile is worth 1 point except M, which contributes 3.
- SIMILAR has no anagrams, despite its repeated I.
- Its three one-letter neighbours are SIMULAR, SIMITAR and SIMILOR.
What does SIMILAR mean?
SIMILAR means alike, comparable, or sharing traits. It is usually an adjective, as in similar shapes or similar plans, but it can also name something that resembles another thing. The geometry sense is precise: corresponding angles match, while corresponding sides stay proportional.
That distinction matters when a clue points to mathematics rather than everyday resemblance. SIMILAR does not mean identical: the definition allows shared features without claiming every quality or measurement is the same. Its common-word status and rank of 595 fit its familiar adjective use.
How does SIMILAR score, and what resembles it?
In Scrabble, SIMILAR scores 9 points before board bonuses. S, both Is, L, A and R each add 1; M adds 3, making it the only tile worth more than one point. A premium square under M changes the total more than one under any of the other six tiles.
SIMILAR has three one-letter neighbours: SIMULAR, SIMITAR and SIMILOR. Each keeps six letters in place and changes one, so these are substitution neighbours, not anagrams. SIMILAR itself has zero anagrams, even though its repeated I might make a rack look more flexible.
Twelve words rhyme with SIMILAR through the ending sound “lar.” Popular, regular, dollar and solar are familiar choices; particular, molecular and spectacular show how the rhyme stretches into longer words. SIMILAR appears in Collins, NWL2023 and ENABLE, but the neighbours are less familiar, so check your game's word list before trying them.
Rhymes with similar
All rhymesOne letter away
- SIMULAR9
- SIMITAR9
- SIMILOR9
Questions people ask
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