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Prepositions after adjectives

dissimilar to or dissimilar from?

Both dissimilar to and dissimilar from are used in standard English. Dissimilar to is more common in everyday writing.

Quick answer

Should you use dissimilar to or dissimilar from?

Both forms are correct. Dissimilar to is the more common and natural choice in modern English. Dissimilar from is also standard and often appears in formal or technical writing.

Her approach is dissimilar to mine.
The two designs are dissimilar from each other.
This version looks dissimilar to the original.
Their experiences were dissimilar from those of previous teams.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
dissimilar to + noun

Comparing two different things

To is the most natural and widely used preposition after dissimilar.

The sequel is dissimilar to the first film.
His writing style is dissimilar to hers.
2
dissimilar from + noun

Formal or technical comparisons

From is also correct and may sound more formal or analytical.

The samples are dissimilar from earlier specimens.
Their methods remain dissimilar from standard practice.
3
dissimilar to each other

Comparing members of a group

This pattern compares two or more items within the same context.

The twins are surprisingly dissimilar to each other.
The proposals were dissimilar to each other in tone and structure.
4
dissimilar in + feature

Specifying an area of difference

In can describe the aspect in which things differ.

The products are dissimilar in quality.
The regions are dissimilar in climate and culture.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
dissimilar to
Her opinions are dissimilar to mine.
Standard and very common for comparisons.
dissimilar from
The current model is dissimilar from earlier versions.
Also standard, often slightly more formal.
dissimilar to each other
The siblings are dissimilar to each other.
Compares members within a pair or group.
dissimilar in
The two systems are dissimilar in design.
Specifies the area or feature of difference.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using than after dissimilar

Dissimilar normally takes to or from, not than.

✕ The new plan is dissimilar than the old one. ✓ The new plan is dissimilar to the old one.

Omitting the comparison target

Dissimilar usually needs a clear comparison.

✕ Their styles are dissimilar. ✓ Their styles are dissimilar to each other.

Confusing similar and dissimilar patterns

Dissimilar follows the same preposition patterns as similar.

✕ The design is dissimilar with the original. ✓ The design is dissimilar to the original.

Using from in an unnatural context

From is correct but may sound too formal in casual speech.

✕ My bag is dissimilar from yours. ✓ My bag is dissimilar to yours.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Her accent is dissimilar ___ mine.
2. The new data is dissimilar ___ previous results.
3. The two paintings are dissimilar ___ style.

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Frequently asked questions

Is dissimilar to correct?

Yes. Dissimilar to is fully standard and very common.

Is dissimilar from also correct?

Yes. Dissimilar from is also standard, especially in formal or technical writing.

Can I use dissimilar with?

No. Dissimilar with is not a standard combination in modern English.

daily, for, daily, with, daily, in damaging to, for, of, in or as? damn about, near, for, to or as? "dangerous for" or "dangerous to"? "dark in", "dark for" or "dark of"? "daunting for" or "daunting to"? dead in, on, by, at or of? deadly to, in, for, of or with? "deaf to" or "deaf in"? dear to, in, for, of or as? deceased in, to, for, at or on? "decent in" or "decent for"?

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