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 While the pair is a near identical carry over from the store’s ’17 Air Max 97 project, the Air Max 95 features a small handful of differences. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025 And a June Pew Research poll shows nearly identical levels of concern by Democrats and Republicans about the increasing use of AI in America. Nathan E. Sanders, Time, 4 Oct. 2025 House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, sent an identical letter to his caucus. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025 To receive approval, companies must demonstrate that their product is chemically identical to the original. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • That same area has already cost the team some points this year, though the Jayhawks (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) have scored 30-plus in each of their two losses.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
  • That same source indicated the two had become more like roommates the last few months, instead of husband and wife, blaming distance and their busy schedules.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Police asked Arfsten about similar thefts and damage at area Pick ‘n Save locations in the area.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There was a similar effort in the build-up to Bukayo Saka’s goal against Leeds United which, again, won’t count as an assist despite its importance.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Minnesota and Illinois are considering bills that would grant rideshare workers comparable collective bargaining powers.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Paying homage to this history, the 2025 iteration’s Chemigum outsole is oil-resistant, and its roughout leather is much more resilient than the comparable suede, though with a similar underhand feel.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deliveries are up 8% versus the analogous stretch in 2024, and while some of those gains may be attributed to the adjustments made to the ratings currency, the league has capitalized on a schedule that ensured maximal exposure for the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs and … Detroit Lions.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • There’s an analogous cool-verging-on-blasé lyrical delivery set off by animalesque saxophones.
    Rumaan Alam, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In high-tax states like California and New York, tax-equivalent yields on long-term munis can rival stock market returns, yet with far less volatility.
    Paul Malloy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on identical

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