parallel 1 of 3

parallel

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noun

parallel

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verb

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
Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. Michael R. Sisak and Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025 Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state case expected to go to trial first. Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
Minimally Viable Product and Minimally Viable Communication Several parallels can be found between product development and message development. Matt Abrahams, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025 Massive parallel testing means Volvo can work through lots of unusual scenarios. Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
National extremes The chasm between noteworthy raises and loftier cost-of-living growth across the nation often paralleled the broader economic patterns during these four years. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025 What's even more revealing is how this parallels the consumer payment evolution. Sunil Rajasekar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for parallel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parallel
Adjective
  • Soon, police came for the families of gang members, for people whose tattoos looked similar to those of gang members, for people with any tattoos.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The apparel industry can adopt similar practices by integrating real-time data analytics and supplier quality management and enhancing supplier collaboration to reduce lead times and minimize stockouts.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Despite surface similarities, there was no official connection between the two shows.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The similarities between the two bucks are striking, D&DH noted, but the source of the photo is unverified.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Their best at any position or role is matched fairly well by other powers in the West.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The biggest question mark would be matching Durant's massive salary.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In Pachter’s comparison, mobile games are analogous to McDonald’s, while Nintendo is the steakhouse.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The league maintains the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Third, Seventh, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits have held that consumers in analogous situations to Salazar suffered no concrete harm when the transmission was non-public.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The pair both wore dapper looks for the occasion — and showed off their striking resemblance to each other.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The violin maker David Rattray, who did restorations on the instrument in 2016 and published a book on Scottish violin makers, said in an email that the decorations only bore a superficial resemblance to Norwegian Hardanger fiddles, which often sport elaborate pen-and-ink patterns.
    Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As for Mendoza’s screen counterpart, he’s played, in a especially strong turn, by Reservation Dogs‘ D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ukraine and Russia agreed on March 18 to stop attacking each other's energy facilities, although President Vladimir Putin declined to endorse a full 30-day ceasefire that his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump had hoped would be a first step toward a permanent peace deal.
    Reuters, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When looking at gaming, the gender split for recent Super Mario Bros game releases was comparable to that of its feature film.
    Brad Adgate, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • One league executive said Malonga’s talent is comparable to presumptive No. 1 pick, UConn star Paige Bueckers, even if her public profile isn’t.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The project manager plans, organizes, monitors, coordinates and administers the work on capital outlay projects from the planning/budget phase through the completion of construction.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • South Korean officials said the incident was caused by human error, saying a pilot had input the wrong strike coordinates before taking off.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Parallel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parallel. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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