In fact, the dash has a similar function to the comma, the colon and the semicolon, though possibly a more informal - and emphatic - one.

Screen-mounted acoustic or infrared emitters and receivers perform a similar function, though these technologies can detect only a single touch.

Cosmetic surgery seemed to serve a similar function to trolling but on a grander, more permanent scale.

Round brackets have a similar function to bracketing commas and dashes, but brackets are generally less ambiguous and can withstand stronger interruptions.

Macs offer a similar function, but it's buried in the preferences and users might not be aware of it.