alike
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for alike, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Similar or resembling one another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use alike
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English gelic ("alike, similar"), related to German gleich.
Full origin of alike →Frequently asked questions
What does “alike” mean?
The word “alike” means similar or resembling one another. In plain terms, similar to each other, or "equally" when placed after a list of people or things.
How do you pronounce “alike”?
“Alike” is pronounced uh-LYK (/əˈlaɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “alike” in a sentence?
Here is “alike” used in a sentence: “The twins look so alike that even their teachers mix them up.”
What is the opposite of “alike”?
The opposite of “alike” — its antonyms — is unlike.
What part of speech is “alike”?
Depending on how it is used, “alike” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “alike” come from?
The word “alike” comes from Old English. From Old English gelic ("alike, similar"), related to German gleich.
Is “alike” a common word?
“Alike” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “alike” have?
“Alike” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: similar or resembling one another.
What is the difference between 'alike' and 'similar'?
Both describe things that resemble one another, but 'alike' normally comes after the noun or verb it describes, as in 'the twins look alike,' while 'similar' usually comes before a noun, as in 'a similar design.' 'Alike' can also act as an adverb meaning 'equally' or 'in the same way.'
Why can't you say 'alike people' or 'alike ideas'?
'Alike' is a predicative adjective, meaning it normally follows a linking verb rather than sitting directly in front of a noun. You would say 'the two ideas are alike' rather than 'alike ideas'; to place a word before the noun, use 'similar' or 'matching' instead.
What is the difference between 'alike' and 'like'?
'Like' is usually a preposition or conjunction that compares one thing to another, as in 'she sings like her mother,' while 'alike' is an adjective or adverb describing two or more things that resemble each other, as in 'the sisters sing alike.' 'Alike' does not take an object, so you cannot say 'alike her mother.'