Parallel Definition & Meaning

parallel
adjective
  1. being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting; "parallel lines never converge"; "concentric circles are parallel"; "dancers in two parallel rows"
  2. of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations; "parallel processing"
noun
  1. something having the property of being analogous to something else
  2. an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
  3. (mathematics) one of a set of parallel geometric figures (parallel lines or planes); "parallels never meet"
verb
  1. be parallel to; "Their roles are paralleled by ours"
  2. make or place parallel to something; "They paralleled the ditch to the highway"
  3. duplicate or match; "The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse"

Synonyms for parallel

analog adj

of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input; "analogue device

♫ Rhymes
analogue adj

of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input; "analogue device

♫ Rhymes
antiparallel adj

(especially of vectors) parallel but oppositely directed; "antiparallel vectors"

♫ Rhymes
collateral adj

descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; "cousins are collateral relatives

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
collimate verb

make or place parallel to something; "They paralleled the ditch to the highway" adjust the line of sight of (an optical

♫ Rhymes
duplicate adj

identically copied from an original; "a duplicate key" being two identical something additional of the same kind

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
latitude noun

the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself

♫ Rhymes
nonintersecting adj

(of lines, planes, or surfaces) never meeting or crossing

♫ Rhymes
synchronic adj

occurring or existing at the same time or having the same period or phase

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
synchronous adj

occurring or existing at the same time or having the same period or phase

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Parallel" in song lyrics

See how parallel is used in real songs:

  • "Me and the Angel Gabriel, flyin' parallel"
    1.4.0. Productions f/ Cheesey Rat, Crunch Lo, Lighter Shade — God Twist
  • "Lock horns with 7L, son there's none parallel"
    7L & Esoteric — Mic Mastery
  • "You ain't close or parallel"
    Binary Star — Conquistadors

Words that rhyme with parallel

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Usage tips for "parallel"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "parallel" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for parallel to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with parallel ↔ Synonyms for parallel 🔬 Words containing parallel

Frequently asked questions

What does parallel mean?
being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting; "parallel lines never converge"; "concentric circles are parallel"; "dancers in two parallel rows" of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations; "parallel processing" something having the property of being analogous to something else an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator (mathematics) one of a set of parallel geometric figures (parallel lines or planes); "parallels never meet" be parallel to
What part of speech is parallel?
Parallel is an adjective, a noun, and a verb.
How many definitions does parallel have?
Parallel has 8 definitions across 3 parts of speech (adjective, noun, verb).

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