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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 reply might be right, but it might not capture the full story – such as Joseph Swan’s parallel invention at the same time as Edison’s.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

To one fund manager who was there, Dan Niles, the closer parallel is 1997.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Around the same time, he went to the Gesafflestein techno show, which led to a parallel awakening.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

They crossed the Ashley River bridge and headed parallel to the river until they reached Broad Street.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!