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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.

The result was the formation of "cloud streets," long, parallel bands of clouds aligned with the wind.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

It’s an inexact parallel, if it’s any kind of parallel at all.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

With many entities involved in the Iran oil trade already blacklisted by the U.S.—including ships, ports and refineries—a parallel system has developed with little overlap with China’s sanctions-compliant oil market.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

However, this approach does not yet have a parallel for team sports.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

And he presents it in perspective, with two parallel lines converging towards a vanishing point.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing parallel

Human Geography - Middle School

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"What Is the Horror Genre?" Vocabulary from the literary criticism

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Human Geography - High School

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