50+ Synonyms of ‘Comparable’: Meanings, Usage, and Grammar Explained

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Synonyms—the words in English that have similar or nearly the same meanings—are essential for effective and expressive communication. One such word, comparable, is frequently used in academic, professional, and everyday language to convey the idea that two or more things can be likened or measured against each other. Knowing the correct synonyms for “comparable” not only enriches your vocabulary but also helps you write and speak with greater precision and variety.

Understanding and choosing the best synonym for “comparable” is especially important for students, teachers, ESL learners, writers, and professionals. Mastery of this area supports academic writing, helps on standardized tests, and improves clear communication in business and technical fields.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the synonyms of “comparable”: their meanings, grammatical patterns, usage rules, context-specific examples, common mistakes, practice exercises, and advanced notes on nuance and register.

Whether you are aiming to expand your vocabulary, avoid repetitive word choices, or improve your academic and professional writing, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practical tools to use synonyms of “comparable” correctly and confidently.

In this article, you will learn:

  • The precise meaning and grammar of “comparable”
  • The structure and patterns of its synonyms
  • How to select the right synonym for any context
  • Common errors and how to avoid them
  • Practice exercises to master the topic
  • Advanced notes on nuance, register, and etymology

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

3.1. What Does “Comparable” Mean?

Comparable is an adjective that means “able to be compared” or “worthy of comparison.” It suggests that two or more things are similar enough in relevant ways that a comparison makes sense.

Etymology: “Comparable” comes from the Latin comparabilis, from comparare (“to compare”).

Word formation: compare (verb) + -able (suffix meaning “able to be”).

Dictionary Definition
Oxford “Able to be likened to another; similar.”
Merriam-Webster “Capable of or suitable for comparison.”
Cambridge “Similar in size, amount, or quality to something else.”

3.2. Grammatical Function

Comparable is used as an adjective. It can be used both attributively (before a noun) and predicatively (after a linking verb).

It can be modified by degree words such as more, most, less, and least.

Sentence Position Example Role
Attributive We achieved comparable results. Before noun
Predicative The results are comparable. After linking verb
Comparative This is more comparable to that. With degree modifier

3.3. Contexts of Use

“Comparable” appears in a wide range of contexts:

  • Academic: “Comparable studies have shown similar results.”
  • Professional: “We offer comparable services at a lower price.”
  • Everyday: “Her skills are comparable to his.”
  • Technical: “The data sets are comparable in size and scope.”

Collocations: “Comparable to,” “comparable with,” “comparable results,” “comparable quality.”

Examples in context:

  1. The performance this year is comparable to last year’s.
  2. Is this data comparable with previous studies?
  3. They have comparable skills and experience.
  4. The two products are comparable in price.
  5. Her achievements are comparable with the best in the industry.

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1. Morphology and Word Family

Morphology:

  • Root: compare (verb)
  • Suffix: -able (“able to be”)

Word family:

  • Comparability (noun): “The comparability of the results is questionable.”
  • Comparably (adverb): “The two teams performed comparably.”

4.2. Patterns of Use with Prepositions

Comparable to and comparable with are both used, but there are subtle preferences:

  • Comparable to: Often used to suggest a likeness or equivalence.
  • Comparable with: Often used when making a direct comparison, especially in British English.
Pattern Example Usage Note
Comparable to His work is comparable to Picasso’s. Suggests similarity or equivalence
Comparable with The results are comparable with previous studies. More analytic, often in academic/technical contexts

4.3. Position in Sentence

Attributive: Used before a noun.

  • “We found a comparable solution.”

Predicative: Used after a linking verb (e.g., “be,” “seem,” “become”).

  • “The solution is comparable.”

4.4. Synonym Structures

Most synonyms of “comparable” are adjectives. They can be modified for degree:

  • “More/most similar”
  • “Less/least equivalent”
Synonym Comparative Superlative Example
Similar More similar Most similar This model is more similar to that one.
Equivalent More equivalent Most equivalent The methods are most equivalent in approach.
Analogous More analogous Most analogous The situation is more analogous to last year’s.

5. Types or Categories of Synonyms

5.1. Direct Synonyms

Direct synonyms have meanings and usage almost identical to “comparable.” Common examples include:

  • Similar
  • Equivalent
  • Analogous
  • Equal
  • Parallel

5.2. Contextual Synonyms

Some synonyms only work in certain contexts. For example:

Synonym Context Example Sentence
Commensurate Academic, technical The salary is commensurate with experience.
Matching Everyday, shopping We found a matching set of chairs.
Homologous Scientific, biology The structures are homologous across species.

5.3. Register-Based Synonyms

Some synonyms of “comparable” are more formal, while others are neutral or informal.

Formality Synonyms Example
Formal Commensurate, analogous, tantamount Their responsibilities are commensurate with their titles.
Neutral Similar, equivalent Their answers are equivalent.
Informal Like, alike, matching Those shoes are like mine.

5.4. Partial Synonyms

Partial synonyms share some but not all meanings with “comparable.” For example, “alike” means “very similar,” but is not always interchangeable.

  • “The twins are alike.” (correct)
  • “The prices are alike.” (awkward; better: “The prices are comparable.”)

5.5. Antonymic and Contrasting Words

Understanding contrasts helps clarify meaning. Near-antonyms of “comparable” include:

  • Different
  • Dissimilar
  • Unequal
  • Incomparable
Synonym Antonym Example
Similar Dissimilar Their results are similar/dissimilar.
Equivalent Unequal Their grades are equivalent/unequal.
Comparable Incomparable Their talent is comparable/incomparable.

6. Examples Section

6.1. Basic Synonym Examples

Here are 20+ sentences where “comparable” is replaced with a synonym:

  1. The two products are similar in quality.
  2. Her achievements are equivalent to his.
  3. Their experiences are alike.
  4. The test results are parallel to last year’s.
  5. Their offers are matching.
  6. Their incomes are on par with each other.
  7. Their proposals are akin in scope.
  8. The two brands are of the same order.
  9. Their skills are tantamount to each other.
  10. The two cases are analogous.
  11. Their qualifications are commensurate.
  12. Their service is as good as ours.
  13. Their quality is on the same level.
  14. Their backgrounds are homologous.
  15. Their opinions are equal in value.
  16. Their performance is comparable to last year’s.
  17. Their price is of a similar range.
  18. Their methods are much alike.
  19. Their standards are matching.
  20. Their projects are equivalent in size.
  21. Their responses are tantamount to agreement.

6.2. Advanced Synonym Usage

Here are 15+ sentences using more advanced or formal synonyms:

  1. Their methodologies are commensurate in scope.
  2. The organizational models are analogous.
  3. Their achievements are tantamount to a revolution.
  4. Their data sets are homologous.
  5. Their findings are of the same magnitude.
  6. Their risks are equal in measure.
  7. Their approaches are of a parallel nature.
  8. Their decisions are resonant with earlier policies.
  9. Their expectations are consistent with industry standards.
  10. Their solutions are closely aligned.
  11. Their contributions are consonant with the company’s mission.
  12. Their credentials are of commensurate value.
  13. Their proposals are tantamount to acceptance.
  14. Their designs are of equal complexity.
  15. Their skills are equivalent in proficiency.

6.3. Synonyms in Different Contexts

See how synonyms of “comparable” are chosen for specific contexts:

Context Synonym Example
Academic Analogous The findings are analogous to previous research.
Business Equivalent We offer equivalent services at a lower cost.
Technical Homologous These circuits are homologous in design.
Everyday Similar Our phones are similar in features.
Legal Tantamount Failure to respond is tantamount to acceptance.
Scientific Commensurate The dosage is commensurate with body weight.
Casual Like The two shoes are like each other.
Formal Of the same order Their achievements are of the same order of magnitude.
Educational Parallel Their progress has been parallel throughout the year.
Professional On par with Her skills are on par with the best in the department.

6.4. Comparative and Superlative Forms

Many synonyms can be modified to express degree.

Base Comparative Superlative Example
Similar More similar Most similar This design is more similar to the original.
Equivalent More equivalent Most equivalent The first answer is most equivalent to the key.
Analogous More analogous Most analogous The theory is most analogous to Newton’s laws.
Alike More alike Most alike The siblings are most alike in temperament.
Parallel More parallel Most parallel Their arguments are more parallel than divergent.

6.5. Idiomatic and Phrasal Synonyms

Sometimes, phrases serve as idiomatic synonyms for “comparable”:

  • On par with
  • Of the same order
  • On the same level
  • As good as
  • Of like kind

Examples in context:

  1. Her performance is on par with the top athletes.
  2. Their achievements are of the same order as Nobel laureates.
  3. Their service is on the same level as the competition.
  4. Their offer is as good as ours.
  5. Their results are of like kind.

6.6. Comprehensive Synonym Table

A master reference table of over 30 synonyms, definitions, examples, and notes:

Synonym Definition Example Sentence Register/Context
Similar Resembling without being identical Their opinions are similar. Neutral/General
Equivalent Equal in value, amount, function, meaning Their salaries are equivalent. Neutral/Professional
Analogous Comparable in certain respects The process is analogous to baking. Formal/Academic
Alike Very similar Their answers are alike. Informal/Everyday
Matching Corresponding in pattern, color, or shape Their uniforms are matching. Everyday
Equal Being the same in quantity, size, degree Their skills are equal. Neutral/Everyday
Parallel Similar in development, nature, or meaning Their stories run parallel. Academic, Literary
On par with At the same level as Her work is on par with the best. Professional, Sports
Tantamount Equivalent in seriousness The action is tantamount to betrayal. Formal/Legal
Commensurate Corresponding in size, degree, or proportion The reward is commensurate with the effort. Formal/Academic
Like Having the same characteristics They have like interests. Informal
Akin Of similar character Their views are akin. Formal/Literary
Of the same order In the same category or rank Their abilities are of the same order. Formal/Academic
Homologous Having the same relation or structure The genes are homologous. Technical/Scientific
Of similar range Within the same range or scale Their prices are of similar range. Business
Of a parallel nature Developing in a similar way Their careers are of a parallel nature. Academic/Professional
Of equal complexity Being equally complex Their tasks are of equal complexity. Technical
Consistent with In agreement with; matching The results are consistent with earlier findings. Academic/Scientific
Resonant with Having qualities in common with The speech was resonant with emotion. Literary
Of like kind Of the same type Their equipment is of like kind. Neutral
Of the same magnitude Of equal size or impact The errors are of the same magnitude. Technical
Closely aligned Very similar or compatible Their interests are closely aligned. Professional
On the same level At the same standard or position Their knowledge is on the same level. Everyday/Business

7. Usage Rules

7.1. Choosing the Right Synonym

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Determine the context: Academic, informal, business, technical?
  2. Check nuance: Is the comparison complete (equivalent) or partial (similar)?
  3. Consider formality: Use “commensurate” or “analogous” for formal, “like” or “matching” for informal.
  4. Check for fixed expressions: Some phrases are preferred in certain fields.
  5. Test the sentence: Substitute the synonym and see if the meaning matches your intention.

Example: For academic writing, “analogous” or “commensurate” is better than “like.”

7.2. Preposition Pairing Rules

Some synonyms pair with particular prepositions:

Synonym Preposition(s) Example
Comparable to, with Comparable to last year
Similar to Similar to ours
Equivalent to Equivalent to 100 euros
Analogous to Analogous to an engine
Commensurate with Commensurate with experience
On par with On par with the best
Tantamount to Tantamount to refusal

7.3. Degree and Modification

Most synonyms can be graded. Use “more”/”most” or “less”/”least” with multi-syllable adjectives:

  • This approach is more similar to ours.
  • The solution is most analogous to last year’s.

Exceptions: “Alike” is not usually modified (“more alike” is rare, “most alike” is possible).

7.4. Subject-Verb Agreement with Synonym Usage

Ensure the subject and verb agree, regardless of the synonym used:

  • The results are comparable.
  • The performance is equivalent.

7.5. Register and Appropriateness

Use formal synonyms (“commensurate,” “analogous”) in academic/professional writing. Use informal synonyms (“like,” “matching”) in everyday speech.

Register Examples Usage
Formal Commensurate, analogous, tantamount Academic, business reports
Neutral Similar, equivalent, equal General writing and speech
Informal Like, matching, alike Casual conversations

7.6. Collocations and Fixed Expressions

Common collocations include:

  • Comparable to/with
  • Equivalent to
  • On par with
  • Tantamount to
  • Commensurate with

Examples:

  • Their salary is commensurate with experience.
  • Their answer is tantamount to agreement.
  • Our service is on par with the market leaders.

8. Common Mistakes

8.1. Incorrect Synonym Choice

Mistake: Using a partial synonym where a direct synonym is needed.

  • Incorrect: “The prices are alike.” (should be “comparable” or “similar”)
  • Correct: “The twins are alike.” (people, not prices)

8.2. Preposition Mistakes

Mistake: Using the wrong preposition.

  • Incorrect: “Similar with last year.”
  • Correct: “Similar to last year.”
  • Incorrect: “Commensurate to experience.”
  • Correct: “Commensurate with experience.”
Incorrect Correct Explanation
Similar with Similar to “Similar” pairs with “to”
Commensurate to Commensurate with “Commensurate” pairs with “with”
Equivalent with Equivalent to “Equivalent” pairs with “to”

8.3. Register Misuse

Mistake: Using a formal synonym in casual speech (or vice versa).

  • Incorrect (casual): “Her shoes are commensurate with mine.”
  • Correct: “Her shoes are like mine.”

8.4. Overusing “Comparable”

Mistake: Repeating “comparable” instead of varying language:

  • Repetitive: “The results are comparable. The prices are comparable. The methods are comparable.”
  • Improved: “The results are similar. The prices are equivalent. The methods are analogous.”

8.5. Meaning Drift

Mistake: Using a synonym that doesn’t match the intended meaning.

  • Incorrect: “Their answers are matching.” (Use “similar” or “alike” for non-identical answers.)
  • Correct: “Their answers are similar.”

8.6. Correction Table

Mistake Correction Explanation
The prices are alike. The prices are comparable/similar. “Alike” is not usually used with prices.
Similar with last year Similar to last year “Similar” requires “to”.
Commensurate to experience Commensurate with experience “Commensurate” requires “with”.
Equivalent with the standard Equivalent to the standard “Equivalent” requires “to”.
Her skills are matching his. Her skills match his./Her skills are similar to his. “Matching” is not used predicatively with skills.

9. Practice Exercises

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank

Fill in each blank with the most appropriate synonym of “comparable” from the list: similar, equivalent, analogous, commensurate, like, on par with, tantamount, matching, parallel, akin.

  1. Their results are ________ to ours.
  2. The punishment was ________ to the crime.
  3. Their offers are ________.
  4. Their methods are ________ in approach.
  5. The new policy is ________ to the previous one.
  6. Their salaries are ________ with their experience.
  7. Her skills are ________ the best in the field.
  8. Their backgrounds are ________.
  9. Their projects developed in ________ ways.
  10. The decision is ________ to a refusal.

Answers:

  1. similar
  2. commensurate
  3. matching
  4. analogous
  5. akin
  6. equivalent
  7. on par with
  8. like
  9. parallel
  10. tantamount

9.2. Synonym Identification

Underline or highlight the synonym of “comparable” in each sentence:

  1. Their qualifications are equivalent.
  2. The answers are alike.
  3. Their proposals are parallel.
  4. The findings are analogous.
  5. Her performance is on par with her peers.
  6. Their skills are equal.
  7. The new product is similar to the old.
  8. Their scores are matching.
  9. Their situations are akin.
  10. Their solutions are commensurate.

9.3. Error Correction

Correct the synonym misuse in each sentence:

  1. Their ideas are matching.
  2. The salary is commensurate to the work.
  3. Their skills are alike to each other.
  4. The solution is equivalent with the previous one.
  5. Their results are similar with ours.

Answers:

  1. Their ideas are similar.
  2. The salary is commensurate with the work.
  3. Their skills are alike.
  4. The solution is equivalent to the previous one.
  5. Their results are similar to ours.

9.4. Sentence Rewriting

Rewrite these sentences, replacing “comparable” with an appropriate synonym:

  1. Their scores are comparable to last year’s.
  2. The two proposals are comparable in scope.
  3. Their products are comparable in quality.
  4. The achievements are comparable to those of Nobel laureates.
  5. Their salaries are comparable with industry standards.

Sample Answers:

  1. Their scores are similar to last year’s.
  2. The two proposals are analogous in scope.
  3. Their products are equivalent in quality.
  4. The achievements are on par with those of Nobel laureates.
  5. Their salaries are commensurate with industry standards.

9.5. Matching Exercise

Match the sentence to the best-fit synonym:

# Sentence Best Synonym
1 The punishment fits the crime. Commensurate
2 Their skills are at the same level. On par with
3 Their findings are like ours. Similar
4 Their uniforms look exactly the same. Matching
5 The situation is very much like last year’s. Analogous
6 Their opinions are basically the same. Equivalent
7 Their design is of the same type. Of like kind
8 The offer is as good as the competition’s. As good as
9 The two teams are in the same league. Of the same order
10 The results are almost identical. Alike

9.6. Contextual Use

Choose the most suitable synonym for “comparable” in each context:

  1. (Academic) The results are ________ to previous studies. [analogous/similar/matching]
  2. (Business) Their services are ________ to ours. [on par with/commensurate/like]
  3. (Technical) The circuits are ________ in design. [homologous/equivalent/akin]
  4. (Everyday) Their shoes are ________. [similar/commensurate/analogous]
  5. (Legal) The offense is ________ to theft. [tantamount/parallel/akin]

Answers:

  1. analogous
  2. on par with
  3. homologous
  4. similar
  5. tantamount

9.7. Practice Tables

All exercise questions and answers in one table for review:

Exercise Question Answer
Fill-in-the-blank #1 Their results are ________ to ours. similar
Sentence Rewrite #3 Their products are comparable in quality. Their products are equivalent in quality.
Error Correction #5 Their results are similar with ours. Their results are similar to ours.
Matching #4 Their uniforms look exactly the same. Matching
Contextual Use #2 (Business) Their services are ________ to ours. on par with

10. Advanced Topics

10.1. Subtle Differences: Similar vs. Comparable vs. Analogous

  • Similar: General resemblance, not necessarily suitable for direct comparison.
  • Comparable: Similar enough to justify direct comparison.
  • Analogous: Similar in a way that allows for analogy or inference, often used in technical or academic writing.

Examples:

  • “Their styles are similar.” (basic resemblance)
  • “Their results are comparable.” (can be directly compared)
  • “Their situations are analogous.” (can be compared by analogy)

10.2. Synonyms in Academic and Technical Writing

Preferred synonyms: “Analogous,” “commensurate,” “equivalent,” “homologous.”

  • “The findings are analogous to previous results.”
  • “The dosage is commensurate with patient weight.”

Note: Avoid informal synonyms like “like” in formal writing.

10.3. Synonyms in Formal vs. Informal Registers

Register Synonyms Example
Formal Commensurate, analogous, tantamount Their duties are commensurate with their rank.
Neutral Similar, equivalent, parallel Their work is similar to ours.
Informal Like, matching, alike Her skills are like his.

10.4. Etymology and Nuance Development

“Comparable” (Latin: comparabilis) originally meant “worthy of comparison.” Over time, it came to mean “similar enough to be compared.” Synonyms have developed from various roots (e.g., “equivalent” from Latin aequivalentem, “analogous” from Greek analogos).

10.5. Synonym Chains and Gradation

Weakest to Strongest similarity:

  • Akin → Similar → Comparable → Equivalent → Identical

Example: “The two texts are akin in theme, similar in structure, comparable in approach, equivalent in content, and nearly identical in language.”

10.6. Cross-Linguistic Comparison

In other languages, “comparable” and its synonyms often have direct equivalents:

  • Spanish: comparable, similar, equivalente
  • French: comparable, similaire, équivalent
  • German: vergleichbar, ähnlich, entsprechend

Note: Preposition use and register may differ across languages.

11. FAQ Section

  1. What does “comparable” mean, and when should I use it?
    Comparable means “able to be compared” or “worthy of comparison.” Use it when two or more things are sufficiently similar in relevant ways.
  2. What are the most common synonyms of “comparable”?
    Common synonyms include: similar, equivalent, analogous, akin, like, matching, parallel, on par with, commensurate, equal.
  3. How do I choose the correct synonym for “comparable” in academic writing?
    Prefer formal synonyms like “analogous,” “commensurate,” or “equivalent.” Check context, nuance, and register.
  4. What is the difference between “comparable to” and “comparable with”?
    Both are correct. “Comparable to” is more common in American English and for likeness; “comparable with” is more analytic, often used in British English.
  5. Are “similar” and “comparable” interchangeable?
    Not always. “Similar” means “having resemblance,” while “comparable” implies they can be directly measured or judged against each other.
  6. Can synonyms of “comparable” be used in both formal and informal contexts?
    Some are formal (“commensurate”), others informal (“like”). Choose based on audience and purpose.
  7. What are some advanced synonyms for “comparable” in technical writing?
    “Analogous,” “commensurate,” “homologous,” “equivalent,” and “of the same order” are common in technical fields.
  8. How do I avoid common mistakes when using synonyms of “comparable”?
    Use the correct preposition, match formality to context, and avoid using partial synonyms where direct ones are needed.
  9. Are there any idiomatic expressions that can replace “comparable”?
    Yes: “on par with,” “of the same order,” “on the same level,” “as good as,” “of like kind.”
  10. How do I form the comparative and superlative of these synonyms?
    Use “more/most” or “less/least” for multi-syllable adjectives: “more similar,” “most analogous,” etc.
  11. What are some collocations with synonyms of “comparable”?
    “Comparable to/with,” “equivalent to,” “on par with,” “commensurate with,” “analogous to,” “tantamount to.”
  12. Is “comparable” ever used as a noun or verb?
    No, “comparable” is only an adjective. The related noun is “comparability;” the verb is “compare.”

12. Conclusion

Mastering the synonyms of “comparable” greatly enhances your English communication by providing precision, clarity, and stylistic variety. Understanding the nuances, structural patterns, register, and context of each synonym allows you to choose the best word for every situation—whether it’s academic writing, business presentations, or everyday conversations.

This article has covered:

  • Definitions and grammatical details of “comparable”
  • Structural and contextual breakdowns
  • Categories of synonyms and their usage
  • Comprehensive examples and tables
  • Common mistakes and how to correct them
  • Practice exercises with answers
  • Advanced notes on nuance, register, and etymology

Keep practicing by using new synonyms in your writing and speech. A deep vocabulary not only impresses examiners and colleagues but also ensures you can express every shade of meaning effectively. With these tools, you’ll be able to write and speak with greater confidence and sophistication in any context.

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