Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for parallel. Search instead for parallel/2.
Definitions

parallel

[par-uh-lel, -luhl] / ˈpær əˌlɛl, -ləl /
ADJECTIVE
aligned, side-by-side
Synonyms
STRONG
coordinate lateral
WEAK
alongside coextending coextensive equidistant extending equally in the same direction laterally never meeting running alongside
Antonyms
WEAK
crooked different dissimilar divergent separate skewed zigzag
ADJECTIVE
akin, similar
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analogous comparable complementary identical
STRONG
agnate conforming consonant correspondent corresponding equal like matching resembling uniform
WEAK
alike
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dissimilar unalike unequal unlike unrelated
STRONG
different inconsistent
WEAK
crooked divergent separate skewed zigzag
NOUN
complement, correlation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analogy comparison corollary resemblance similarity
STRONG
analogue correlate correspondence correspondent counterpart double duplicate duplication equal equivalent kin likeness match parallelism twin
WEAK
countertype homologue
Antonyms
STRONGEST
difference dissimilarity unlikeness
WEAK
divergence opposite reverse
VERB
be alike
Synonyms
STRONGEST
complement correlate correspond imitate
STRONG
agree assimilate collimate collocate compare conform copy equal equate liken match paragon parallelize
WEAK
keep pace
Antonyms
STRONGEST
differ
STRONG
disagree imbalance refuse
WEAK
distort diverge separate skew

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I’m sure the economics nerds will say that doesn’t count, but I think it’s a parallel worth considering.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

The case has unfolded alongside a parallel legal offensive from Baldoni, who filed a sweeping $400-million countersuit accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, the New York Times and others of defamation and extortion.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

However, Russ Mould investment director at AJ Bell said comments out of Washington and Tehran seemed to come from "parallel worlds".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Nontraded loan funds are marketed mainly to wealthy individuals, while a parallel set of publicly traded funds can be bought by anyone.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

As the adults drank coffee and laughed in the kitchen, a parallel scene would unfold outside as Craig and I joined whatever pack of kids came with those adults.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.