When people write similar or simular, they are usually trying to decide which spelling is correct. The confusion is understandable because the two forms look and sound very close. However, in modern standard English, similar is the normal word when you mean “alike” or “nearly the same.”
Although they look/sound similar, they serve completely different purposes. In fact, simular does exist as an old or specialized English word in some dictionaries, but it is not the word you normally want when describing two things that resemble each other. Merriam-Webster lists simular as an archaic noun/adjective, while similar is the standard everyday choice.
What Is “Similar”?
Similar is an adjective meaning alike, resembling one another, or having characteristics in common without being exactly the same.
It is extremely common in everyday, academic, professional, and online English.
Examples
- These two houses look similar.
- Our opinions are similar.
- The two products have similar features.
- My experience was similar to yours.
A particularly common grammatical structure is:
similar to + noun/pronoun
For example:
“This design is similar to the original.”
History and Usage
Similar comes from Latin similis, meaning “like” or “similar.” It has become a standard English adjective used to compare people, objects, ideas, situations, and characteristics.
What Is “Simular”?
Simular is where things get more interesting.
For ordinary modern English, if you mean “alike,” use “similar.” However, simular is not simply nonexistent. Dictionaries record it as an archaic or specialized word meaning things such as “pretended,” “counterfeit,” or something/someone that simulates.
So if you are writing a normal sentence such as:
❌ “The two designs are simular.”
the correct modern word is:
✅ “The two designs are similar.”
Why Do People Write “Simular”?
The most common reason is spelling confusion caused by pronunciation. When spoken quickly, similar can sound as though it contains a “u” sound, which can lead writers to spell it as simular.
For everyday writing, remember:
Similar = alike
Simular = archaic/specialized word, not the normal choice
Similar or Simular: Key Differences
- Similar is the standard modern English word for “alike.”
- Simular has historical dictionary meanings but is uncommon and archaic.
- Use similar in normal conversations, schoolwork, websites, and professional writing.
- Similar is spelled the same in American and British English.
- The most common construction is similar to.
- Don’t use simular when you mean “almost the same.”
Comparison Table
| Feature | Similar | Simular |
|---|---|---|
| Standard everyday word? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common meaning | Alike or resembling | Archaic: pretended/counterfeit |
| Common modern usage | Very common | Very rare |
| Part of speech | Adjective | Noun/adjective |
| US English | Similar | Rare/archaic |
| UK English | Similar | Rare/archaic |
| Example | “They look similar.” | Historical/specialized usage |
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Dialogue 1
Person 1: “Are these two phones simular?”
Person 2: “The correct spelling is similar.”
🎯 Lesson: Use similar when two things are alike.
Dialogue 2
Person 1: “Our ideas are very similar.”
Person 2: “Exactly—they have several things in common.”
🎯 Lesson: Similar describes shared characteristics.
Dialogue 3
Person 1: “This dress is simular to mine.”
Person 2: “It should be similar to mine.”
🎯 Lesson: The standard phrase is similar to.
Dialogue 4
Person 1: “Why does spellcheck change simular?”
Person 2: “Because you’re probably trying to write similar.”
🎯 Lesson: Check the spelling before publishing.
When to Use Similar or Simular
Use “Similar” for Ordinary Comparisons
Use similar when you mean:
- Alike
- Nearly the same
- Resembling
- Having similar characteristics
Examples:
“The two cars are similar.”
“Their answers were similar.”
“We have similar interests.”
When Would “Simular” Be Used?
In modern everyday writing, you will rarely need simular. Historical texts and specialized dictionary definitions may use it with meanings connected to simulation, pretence, or counterfeit things.
Therefore, if your intended meaning is “alike,” choose similar.
American vs British English
There is no American-versus-British spelling difference for the normal word similar.
Both varieties use:
✅ similar
Neither uses simular as an alternative spelling of similar.
So whether you’re writing for readers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere, similar is the appropriate word when you mean “alike.”
Easy Memory Trick
Here’s a simple way to remember the spelling:
SIMILAR = SIMILARITY
Both words contain:
SIMILAR
So remember:
similar → similarity
Another useful pattern is:
S-I-M-I-L-A-R ✅
not:
S-I-M-U-L-A-R ❌
If you’re talking about two things that are alike, choose similar.
Common Mistakes
Incorrect
❌ “These colors are simular.”
Correct
✅ “These colors are similar.”
Incorrect
❌ “Her answer is simular to mine.”
Correct
✅ “Her answer is similar to mine.”
Incorrect
❌ “The two products have simular features.”
Correct
✅ “The two products have similar features.
Conclusion
When choosing between similar or simular, use similar when you mean that two people, objects, ideas, or situations are alike. It is the standard modern English word and works naturally in both American and British English. Simular is a real historical or specialized word, but it is not the normal replacement for similar. The easiest rule is simple: if you mean “alike,” write “similar.” Remember the related word “similarity” to help lock in the spelling. With that simple trick, you can avoid one of the most common spelling mix-ups and use the correct form confidently.