区别在于用法不用。be similar to后边既可以加物主代词又可以加人，即：be similar to sth/sb be similar with后边只可以加人，即be similar with sb.
similar with 和 similar to 的区别
1、用法不同：be similar to后边既可以加物主代词又可以加人，即：be similar to sth/sb be similar with后边只可以加人 ，即be similar with sb.
例句：
1Drop in the earth, down to the river, went straight to the natural away, andChiang Kai-shek peaceful purpose 。
滴在土里，下到河里，直奔了自然而去的，中正平和，应与琴旨相近吧。
2、是否可以加从句：be similar to后边可以跟从句，而be similar with不可以。
例句：
1To legalize it will be similar to that of horse-racing if this proposal is passed.
合法化会相似，赛马如果这项建议获得通过。
3、释义不完全相同：be similar with 是某人对什么很熟悉 ，是主动 ;be similar to 是某物为某人所熟知，与...相似 , 是被动。
例句：
1Be similar with economic spatial distribution，the characteristic of populationspatial distribution is spatial centrality.
经济的空间分布具有集中性特点，人口的空间分布及演化亦是如此。
similar的用法
1.用作定语
He likes bread, cake and other similar foods.
他喜欢面包、蛋糕以及诸如此类的其他食品。
Similar triangles have equal angles.
相似三角形有相等的角。
The two men have similar political views.
这两个人有相似的政治观点。
2.用作表语
The two boys are very similar.
这两个男孩长得很像。
No two animal habits are exactly similar.
没有两个动物的生活习性是完全相似的。
Gold is similar in colour to brass.
金子的颜色和黄铜很像。
The twin brothers are similar in every respect.
这对孪生兄弟在各方面都很像。
We are somewhat similar in taste.
我们的口味有点相似。