Frequently Asked Questions About 'Like' Synonyms
Choosing the right synonym for 'like' depends entirely on context, audience, and the specific meaning you intend to convey. Since 'like' functions as multiple parts of speech and carries different meanings across situations, no single replacement works universally. These frequently asked questions address the most common scenarios where writers and speakers seek alternatives to this overused word.
Professional communicators, students, and anyone seeking to improve their vocabulary will find practical guidance below. Each answer provides specific alternatives with usage examples that clarify when and how to employ different synonyms. Understanding these distinctions elevates your writing from casual to polished, from vague to precise.
What is a synonym for the word 'like'?
The most appropriate synonym depends on how you're using 'like.' For comparisons, use 'similar to,' 'resembling,' or 'comparable to.' When introducing examples, replace 'like' with 'such as' or 'including.' If expressing preference or enjoyment, choose 'enjoy,' 'appreciate,' 'favor,' or 'prefer.' For approximations, use 'approximately' or 'roughly.' In formal academic writing, 'such as' and 'similar to' are the safest general replacements, while business communications favor 'comparable to' and 'analogous to' for professional tone.
What are other words that mean the same as 'like'?
Alternatives include 'fond of,' 'partial to,' and 'keen on' for preferences; 'comparable to,' 'akin to,' and 'parallel to' for comparisons; 'for example,' 'for instance,' and 'namely' for introducing examples; and 'admire,' 'value,' and 'esteem' for expressing appreciation. The word 'as' often replaces 'like' in formal writing, particularly in similes ('quick as lightning' rather than 'quick like lightning'). Technical writing employs 'analogous to' and 'corresponding to' for precise comparisons. Each alternative carries slightly different connotations, so context determines the best choice.
How do you say 'like' in different ways?
Transform 'like' based on its function in your sentence. For similarity statements, use 'similar to,' 'reminiscent of,' or 'bears resemblance to.' When giving examples, restructure with 'such as,' 'including,' or 'for instance.' For preferences, choose 'enjoy,' 'care for,' 'take pleasure in,' or 'have a preference for.' In casual speech, 'kind of' or 'sort of' (though informal) replace approximation uses of 'like.' Professional contexts require 'approximately,' 'in the manner of,' or 'consistent with' depending on the specific meaning you intend to communicate.
What word can I use instead of 'like'?
Select replacements based on your specific usage: 'such as' and 'including' for examples, 'enjoy' and 'appreciate' for preferences, 'resembling' and 'similar to' for comparisons, and 'approximately' for estimates. In formal writing, avoid 'like' entirely by restructuring sentences. Instead of 'cities like Boston,' write 'cities such as Boston' or 'Boston and similar cities.' Rather than 'I like this approach,' use 'I favor this approach' or 'This approach appeals to me.' Legal and academic documents require the highest precision, so consult field-specific style guides for approved alternatives.
What is a formal synonym for 'like' in academic writing?
Academic writing demands 'such as' for examples, 'similar to' for comparisons, and complete avoidance of 'like' as a filler word or hedge. Research papers use 'comparable to,' 'analogous to,' 'consistent with,' and 'corresponding to' for scholarly comparisons. The APA, MLA, and Chicago style guides all discourage casual 'like' usage. When describing research findings, write 'results similar to those of Smith (2020)' rather than 'results like Smith (2020).' Dissertations and journal articles employ 'including,' 'for instance,' and 'for example' when listing cases or illustrations, never 'like.'
What is another word for 'don't like' or dislike?
Express negative preferences with varying intensity using these alternatives: 'dislike' (standard), 'disapprove of' (formal), 'object to' (strong), 'take exception to' (formal objection), 'find disagreeable' (mild), 'have an aversion to' (strong), 'look unfavorably upon' (formal), 'disfavor' (uncommon but precise), 'frown upon' (disapproval), and 'take a dim view of' (British formal). Stronger expressions include 'detest,' 'abhor,' 'loathe,' and 'despise,' though these should be reserved for genuine strong feelings. Professional contexts typically use 'object to,' 'disagree with,' or 'find problematic' to maintain diplomatic tone while expressing opposition.
What does 'sounds like fun' mean and what are synonyms?
This colloquial phrase expresses positive anticipation about an activity or event. Professional synonyms include 'sounds enjoyable,' 'appears entertaining,' 'seems promising,' 'that would be delightful,' 'sounds appealing,' or 'I would enjoy that.' In formal invitations or business contexts, respond with 'I would be pleased to attend,' 'that sounds worthwhile,' or 'I appreciate the invitation.' The phrase 'sounds like fun' is too casual for professional correspondence, client communications, or formal RSVPs. Event planners and hospitality professionals train staff to use 'sounds wonderful' or 'what an enjoyable opportunity' when responding to guest suggestions.
How do I replace 'we would like' in business writing?
This tentative phrase weakens business communications. Replace it with assertive alternatives: 'we propose' (suggestions), 'we recommend' (advice), 'we intend to' (plans), 'we aim to' (goals), 'we will' (commitments), 'we seek to' (objectives), or 'we plan to' (future actions). In proposals, 'we propose to deliver' sounds more confident than 'we would like to deliver.' For requests, 'we request' or 'we ask that' proves more direct than 'we would like.' Management consultants and business writing experts consistently advise removing 'would like' to strengthen professional tone and demonstrate decisiveness rather than hesitancy.
What is the difference between 'like' and 'such as' when giving examples?
Grammatically, 'such as' introduces specific examples from a larger category, while 'like' suggests similarity or comparison. Write 'programming languages such as Python and Java' when Python and Java are examples of programming languages. Use 'languages like Python' only when referring to languages similar to Python but not Python itself. The Chicago Manual of Style and most academic publishers require 'such as' for examples and reserve 'like' for comparisons. This distinction matters in legal documents where 'including such as' specifies non-exhaustive lists, while 'like' might suggest items similar to but not including the named examples.
| Your Intended Meaning | Replace 'Like' With | Example Sentence | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giving examples | such as, including | Try fruits such as apples and oranges | Formal |
| Showing similarity | similar to, resembling | Her style resembles classical painters | Formal |
| Expressing enjoyment | enjoy, appreciate | I enjoy reading mystery novels | Neutral |
| Making comparisons | comparable to, akin to | Performance comparable to last year | Formal |
| Approximating | approximately, roughly | Approximately 50 people attended | Formal |
| Stating preference | prefer, favor | I prefer morning meetings | Neutral |
| Showing manner | in the manner of, thus | Complete the form thus | Formal |
| Expressing dislike | dislike, disapprove of | I disapprove of that approach | Formal |
Additional Resources
- Chicago Manual of Style - The Chicago Manual of Style and most academic publishers require 'such as' for examples and reserve 'like' for comparisons.
- APA style guide - The APA, MLA, and Chicago style guides all discourage casual 'like' usage in academic writing.
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries - Oxford Learner's Dictionaries provides comprehensive examples of 'like' usage across different contexts and registers.