False analogy is a logical fallacy applying to inductive arguments.

In an analogy two concepts, objects, or events proposed to be similar in nature (A and B) are shown to have some common relationship with another property. The premise is that A has property X, and thus B must also have property X (due to the assumed similarity of A and B). Unfortunately, in the case of a false analogy, A and B are only superficially similar (if that) and are different in some fundamental way which influences their relationship with property X.

For example, in the field of International relations theory, the fallacy known as the 'domestic analogy' is committed when relationships between political communities (nations) are treated as analogous to relations within political communities (between individuals), such that familiar morals and remedies for interpersonal issues are projected onto foreign policy narratives (Hidemi Suganami, The Domestic Analogy and World Order Proposals, CUP, 1989).

Another example is the following:

The universe is like an intricate watch.

A watch must have been designed by a watchmaker.

Therefore, the universe must have been designed by some kind of creator.

This argument ignores the substantial differences between a manufactured, mechanical object like a watch and the spacetime continuum in which we exist known as the universe.