Definition of identicalnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word identical different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of identical are equal, equivalent, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

In what contexts can equal take the place of identical?

In some situations, the words equal and identical are roughly equivalent. However, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When is equivalent a more appropriate choice than identical?

The synonyms equivalent and identical are sometimes interchangeable, but equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of identical?

Same may imply and selfsame always implies that the things under consideration are one thing and not two or more things.

took the same route
derived from the selfsame source

How does the word very relate to other synonyms for identical?

Very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of identical Kay installed a large bell at his home, and gave an identical one to the Pietruszewski family. Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026 Once a standardized design is approved, the company intends to implement a manufacturing process that allows for the creation of many identical units. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026 And a tire impression found near the spot where Teresa’s body was discovered was identical to tires on Duckett’s patrol car. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026 The two app versions are almost identical. Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • On that same day, nearly 300 people were sent to the prison in El Salvador from the same Texas detention center, according to the American Immigration Council.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
  • That same day, her daughter, Ashley, who'd been living in Missouri, was extradited to Indiana, under arrest for the burglary of her mother's house.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The flight instructor had more than 800 hours in total of civilian flight experience and had flown 140 hours in helicopters similar to the one that crashed.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The chamber is also backing another idea Mayor Vince Lago recently proposed — a plan to potentially charge commercial property owners across the Gables a beautification fee, except for those on Miracle Mile and Giralda, which already have a similar fee in place.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Why is a woman artist selling for one price when a comparable male artist is at a completely different level?
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Other candidates The rest of the field, for the most part, does not appear to have secured as many high-profile endorsements or raised comparable campaign funding.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The public nuisance theory in the New Mexico case is designed to produce an analogous structural outcome for social media.
    Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Beitler sees scrolling on TikTok as analogous to surfing TV channels.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ye wasn’t far behind with 152,000 equivalent units moved.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026
  • On Friday, Iranian officials issued a public plea for locals to find the American crew member, offering a reward equivalent to $60,000, according to official and semi-official Iranian news organizations.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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