comparable

/ˈkɑmpərəbəl/

/kəmˈpɛrəbəl/

Use comparable to describe two things that are alike. If you are offered two jobs with comparable salaries, you might take the one where the weather is nicer.

Comparable can also mean exactly what it looks like: things you are “able” to “compare” are comparable. When you say that comparing two things is “like comparing apples and oranges,” you're saying the two things in question are not comparable. When you pronounce this word, remember that, unlike with “compare,” you emphasize the first syllable and swallow the first “a”: COM-pra-ble. The sounds of the two words aren't really comparable.

Definitions of comparable

1. adjective

   able to be compared or worthy of comparison
   synonyms:

   comparable with

   similar in some respect and so able to be compared in order to show differences and similarities

   comparable to

   worthy of comparison; as good as

   equal

   having the same quantity, value, or measure as another

   parallel

   being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting

   antonyms:

   incomparable

   such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared

   best

   (superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities

   all-time

   unsurpassed in some respect up to the present

   incommensurable

   impossible to measure or compare in value or size or excellence

   matchless, nonpareil, one, one and only, peerless, unmatchable, unmatched, unrivaled, unrivalled

   eminent beyond or above comparison

   alone, unequaled, unequalled, unique, unparalleled

   radically distinctive and without equal

   extraordinary

   beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
2. adjective

   conforming in every respect
   synonyms: corresponding, like

   same

   closely similar or comparable in kind or quality or quantity or degree