sameness

noun

same·​ness ˈsām-nəs How to pronounce sameness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being the same : identity, similarity
2

Examples of sameness in a Sentence

the sameness of the two methods There is a sameness to his stories that makes them too predictable.
Recent Examples on the Web The fields are now home to Walmart, Target and other big-box stores that lend an air of sameness in countless communities across the U.S. Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 The city abounds with fine seafood towers, especially at Martini-minded restaurants above a certain price point, though there can be a sameness to them, a repetitive haze of mignonette and gently melting ice. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2023 The telecast was able to overcome that sameness at times simply by hurling beloved figures from TV’s glorious past at the audience as often as possible. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2024 Ironically, the sheer amount of worthy series is likely contributing to this sameness. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2024 But even as quality and particulars vary, there is a sameness to a lot of these shows. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2023 Sure, there were some slight differences—Middleton’s plaid jacket was quilted by Burberry, whereas Prince William’s monotone technical, water-repellant look came from Suit Supply—but the sameness of it all was undeniable. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 George’s dialogue has an archness and, eventually, a sameness to it: We’re kept at arm’s length from these people, outside their heads and hearts. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2023 Does the quest for stars generate excellence, or sameness? Julia Moskin, New York Times, 12 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sameness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sameness was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near sameness

Cite this Entry

“Sameness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sameness. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sameness

noun
same·​ness ˈsām-nəs How to pronounce sameness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being the same : identity
2

More from Merriam-Webster on sameness

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