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parallel Synonyms

Another word for parallel

Choosing another word for parallel depends on context, so the 27 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 8 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Extending in the same direction, remaining the same distance apart at every point, and never meeting or intersecting (of lines, planes, or surfaces).

Usage Example

"The railroad tracks consist of two equidistant steel rails mounted on wooden ties."

Strong
equidistant
side-by-side
aligned
collateral

• verb (Context 2)

To be similar, corresponding, or analogous to something in development, nature, or structure; to equal or match.

Usage Example

"The protagonist's emotional journey closely parallels the author's own experiences during her youth."

Strongest
match
Strong
mirror
resemble
equal
echo
rival

• noun (Context 3)

A person, situation, or event that is very similar to another, or a point of similarity or comparison between two things.

Usage Example

"Historians often draw parallels between the decline of the Roman Empire and modern geopolitical shifts."

Strongest
analogy
counterpart
Strong
similarity
equivalent
match
resemblance
correspondence

• adjective (Context 4)

Occurring or existing at the same time or in a closely similar way; corresponding in structure, development, or tendency.

Usage Example

"Two independent research teams conducted analogous studies on the effects of sleep deprivation."

Strongest
analogous
corresponding
Strong
comparable
concurrent
simultaneous
equivalent

• adverb (Context 5)

In a direction or position that is equidistant at all points from another line or surface; alongside.

Usage Example

"The narrow country road runs alongside to the coastline for several miles."

Strong
alongside
abreast

• verb (Context 6)

To extend in a direction that is side by side and equidistant from a path, border, or geographical feature.

Usage Example

"The scenic hiking trail parallels the mountain stream for nearly three kilometers before climbing the ridge."

Strong
skirt
border
Weak
follow

• noun (Context 7)

Each of the imaginary circles on the Earth's surface running parallel to the equator, used to mark degrees of latitude.

Usage Example

"The border between the two territories was established along the 49th latitude."

Strong
latitude

• adjective (Context 8)

Involving the simultaneous processing of multiple data streams or connected along separate paths so that electric current divides between them (in computing and electronics).

Usage Example

"Modern supercomputers rely on simultaneous processing to solve complex climate simulations rapidly."

Strong
simultaneous
concurrent

Opposites of parallel

The opposite of parallel shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

perpendicular
serial
perpendicularly
antithesis
divergent
intersecting
sequential
contrast
See all opposites of parallel

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Parallel. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/parallel
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