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So you’ve hit “Submit” and were wondering whether your academic or professional work is caught by Turnitin. Instead of nervously waiting for the result, why not make it “plagiarism-proof” from scratch? In this guide, we’ll show you an easy-to-follow guide on how to reduce similarity score on Turnitin. Please note that these tips won’t harm the quality of your work.

Let’s explore!

Understanding the Similarity Score

Similarity Feature by Turnitin
Similarity Feature by Turnitin

Well, this section is for those who’ve first heard about the Turnitin Similarity score.

It’s important to remember that Turnitin doesn’t detect plagiarism directly. Instead, it simply shows matching text. To accomplish this task, Turnitin checks your work against its huge database (web pages, student papers, research papers, etc).

The result is presented in the Similarity Report. Here, you’ll see highlighted matching text (if any). The platform also shows you the similarity score, which indicates the percentage of your submission that matches other sources. It ranges from 0% (blue) – no matches to 100% (red – very high matches.

How To Reduce Similarity On Turnitin? Understanding it first
Understanding Turnitin Similarity Report

But you know what? Don’t freak out if you see a high score since it might not be a sign of plagiarism (Sometimes, it’s added up by counting cited quotes and common phrases). In these cases, the Similarity Report will help you understand the context of the matches.

How to Reduce Similarity Score on Turnitin? 7 Ways in 2025

1. Avoid Copying word-to-word (Of Course)

When you’re in a rush, you might copy-paste text directly from sources. As a result, Turnitin easily detects these matches. Your similarity score will increase. So it’s crucial to understand the references and use the information wisely. Make it your own words to show Turnitin that you truly understand what you read.

2. Use Quotation Marks But Not Too Many

Quotation marks are a smart move, but don’t overuse it! You should only add quotes when necessary, like when the original wording is crucial or when a specific phrase holds significant meaning.

We’ve seen some cases when writers quoted an entire paragraph because they thought it added credibility to their argument, and Turnitin was okay with that. However, using lots of quotes or long ones can make your writing less clear. Even worse? It weakens your unique voice and can still raise your similarity score.

In the end, the quoted material is just something to spice up your main dish, which is your analysis and interpretation.

3. Cite Your Sources Appropriately

As you’ve decided to cite a source, make it right! Turnitin may flag uncited material as plagiarized, even if it’s an honest mistake. To avoid this, ensure you’re following the correct citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Note: Don’t forget to include a complete list of references at the end of your work.

4. Paraphrase Thoroughly to Reduce Similarity on Turnitin

QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool
QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool

We’ve considered this one of the most effective ways to reduce similarity. It’s not just as simple as changing a few words or orders in a sentence. It’s about giving your sentence or passage a new gorgeous look while maintaining its original meaning.

If you need to rephrase just a couple of sentences, you can paraphrase them manually. However, when it comes to a large block of text, we recommend asking for help from reliable paraphrasing tools such as QuillBot or Originality AI . They save you time while effectively helping reduce the similarity score.

5. Add Images and Pictures in Your Work

Why is that? Well, Turnitin primarily scans text, so adding non-text elements can reduce the amount of text analyzed. For example, you can replace long descriptions with a relevant chart or use an image to support your points.

If you use this method, make sure your images are properly cited if they’re not your own. Also, ensure that visuals are relevant to your topic.

6. Check for Similarity Before Final Submission

This rehearsal step is extremely crucial to ensure your Turnitin score is low. It would be perfect if you could check your work directly on Turnitin. Otherwise, consider using reliable plagiarism detection tools, such as Grammarly Premium or Copyscape.

Since the high-similarity sections are highlighted, you can rewrite or paraphrase them to reduce the match.

7. Change Document Format

Though it might seem minor, it’s better than nothing, right? Changing your document format (e.g., modifying the font style, adding bullets, or saving your document as a PDF) can affect how Turnitin scans your file and sometimes help lower your score slightly. Remember: Don’t make it a mess. Ensure the readability and formatting requirements of your assignment!

Final Thought

You’ve known how to step closer to reducing similarity on Turnitin and producing original work. Now, check your papers again and take action. If you’re looking for more tips and tools to improve your writing, there’s no need to search further. Stay and explore the rich resources available on TechDictionary.Want to save time? Leave a comment below, and we’ll lead you to the right destination.

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Zoran Trimmel

Zoran Trimmel is a highly skilled AI specialist with a talent for simplifying complex technical concepts. He expertly evaluates emerging AI platforms and solutions for our technology website, delivering insightful articles that highlight the latest in AI and technology tools.

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