Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of same are equal, equivalent, identical, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," 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

In what contexts can equal take the place of same?

Although the words equal and same have much in common, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When could equivalent be used to replace same?

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

two houses equivalent in market value

When might identical be a better fit than same?

While in some cases nearly identical to same, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How is very related to other words for same?

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 same That same year, she was invited back to England to receive a medal from the RAF for her war service in the ATA. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025 In 1946, Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke founded the Aspen Skiing Corporation, opening a chairlift on Aspen Mountain that same year. Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 This article has been updated to include new information from the Department of Homeland Security clarifying that a detainee at Alligator Alcatraz was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital on Monday, but was not admitted and returned to the detention center that same day. Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025 That same day, Penelope's grandmother Kris Jenner shared a carousel of photos on her Instagram celebrating her granddaughter's birthday. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for same
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • Another clip showing a comparison between Matt as a baby, and Darcy at the same age, the father and daughter looking identical to each other, also proved popular online.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Palmer netted an early brace with two almost identical goals just eight minutes apart midway through the first half.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some words are censored, while others are popularized through online memes and trends, meaning that the very structure underlying social media is responsible for rerouting our language in real time.
    Adam Aleksic, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The earworm of a theme song and classic scenes are etched into the very fiber of the park.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This doesn’t come without challenges, especially with junior staff who haven’t weathered similar storms before.
    Philip A. Nardone, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Mimic Alba’s seasonal slay by shopping similar vests, pants, caps, sunglasses, and bags from Amazon.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a recent note on quantum computing, analysts at Bank of America had to reach way back—way, way back—for a comparable advancement in human history.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 July 2025
  • Burberry’s overall group revenues declined 1% year-on-year on a comparable basis to £433 million ($ 582million) in the June quarter, compared with the 3% decline analysts had forecast in a company compiled consensus.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The war between Russia and Ukraine is not perfectly analogous to contingencies that the United States may face in the future, and not every lesson in Ukraine is applicable to U.S. military planning, but this war is nonetheless full of instructive technological innovations and breakthroughs.
    JON FINER, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025
  • And the concho found fans across the world—especially among people who see its plight as analogous to their own, and who have latched on to it as a symbol of resilience.
    Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

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