What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
similarity
Example
There is a similarity between the two paintings in terms of their use of color. [similarity: noun]
Example
The similarity between the two theories is striking. [similarity: noun]
sameness
Example
The sameness of the two dresses made it difficult to tell them apart. [sameness: noun]
Example
The sameness of the routine was starting to get boring. [sameness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Similarity is more commonly used than sameness in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and has a more neutral connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between similarity and sameness?
Both similarity and sameness are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.