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Definition of dissimilar

dissimilar

/dɪˈsɪm.ɪ.lɚ/
dis · sim · i · lar
Adverb:dissimilarly
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dissimilar Lexical Profile

dissimilar Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not alike; different in nature, appearance, or character.

Example

"Although the two species occupy a similar ecological niche, their physical traits are completely dissimilar."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dissimilar
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dissimilar

Word Nuance & Usage

When followed by a preposition, 'dissimilar' typically takes 'to' or 'from' (e.g., 'dissimilar to' or 'dissimilar from'), though 'to' is more common in modern usage. Be careful to retain the double 's' in spelling, combining 'dis-' and 'similar'.

• Rhymes for dissimilar

• Nearby Words

dissertation
disservice
dissident
dissimilar
dissimilarity
dissimilarly
dissipate

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 16th century from the prefix 'dis-' (expressing negation) and 'similar', or modeled after French 'dissimilaire' and Latin 'dissimilis' (from 'dis-' + 'similis', meaning 'like').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dissimilar. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dissimilar
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