dissimilar to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dissimilar to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that one thing is not similar to another, often in comparisons or contrasts. Example: "The results of the experiment were dissimilar to our initial predictions, leading us to reconsider our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not to dissimilar to Taarabt.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not dissimilar to soccer in this country".

The New York Times - Sports

Simien's own experience was not dissimilar to that of Lionel.

The Guardian - Film

A Columbine isn't that dissimilar to a Manalapan.

The New York Times

Psychology is not too dissimilar to acting, I always think.

The Guardian

In fact, his version is not dissimilar to Springsteen's.

The Guardian - Music

The shell is not entirely dissimilar to the hawk.

The Guardian - Books

It's not dissimilar to what is being said here.

The New York Times - Arts

The tennis, in truth, was not dissimilar to the weather.

Independent

The whole thing looks not dissimilar to a pint of beer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not dissimilar to the loosely defined ladwear of London, "it's the style of 90s kid".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dissimilar to", ensure you clearly specify the items being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is dissimilar", specify what "this" is and what it is dissimilar to.

Common error

Avoid overstating the dissimilarity. "Dissimilar to" indicates a lack of resemblance, but not necessarily complete opposition. Using it when there are subtle similarities can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dissimilar to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a lack of resemblance or similarity between two entities. It's used to draw comparisons and highlight differences, as supported by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dissimilar to" serves to indicate a lack of resemblance between two entities. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and its usage spans diverse contexts, being particularly frequent in "News & Media". While alternatives like "unlike" and "different from" exist, "dissimilar to" provides a nuanced way to express differences. Remember to clearly state the items being compared and avoid overstating the degree of dissimilarity for the sake of clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlike

This is a shorter, more direct way of saying something is not similar.

different from

This phrase is a common and straightforward alternative.

distinct from

Implies a clear and easily recognizable difference.

not analogous to

This phrase suggests a lack of parallel or comparability.

bearing no resemblance to

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity in appearance or nature.

at variance with

Indicates a state of disagreement or incongruity.

in contrast to

Highlights the differences when comparing two things.

divergent from

Suggests a branching off or deviation in different directions.

not comparable to

Indicates that the two items cannot be fairly compared.

contrary to

This phrase highlights the opposite nature of two things.

FAQs

How can I use "dissimilar to" in a sentence?

Use "dissimilar to" to highlight the differences between two or more things. For example, "His leadership style is "dissimilar to" hers."

What are some alternatives to "dissimilar to"?

Alternatives include "unlike", "different from", and "distinct from". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "dissimilar to" and "different from"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of similarity, "dissimilar to" can sometimes suggest a more significant or fundamental difference than "different from".

Can I use "dissimilar to" to compare abstract concepts?

Yes, "dissimilar to" can be used to compare both concrete objects and abstract concepts. For example, "Their approaches to problem-solving are "dissimilar to" each other."