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 Dodger Stadium is the L.A. venue that is getting a downgrade; the show scheduled for Sept. 6 will now take place across town that same date at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 June 2025 That same rain also hit David Buck’s Guardians Farm in Southbury. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 Alcaraz now has five majors at the age of 22, same as Rafa Nadal did at exactly the same age. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025 That same year, the FDA further eased several conditions with respect to the prescribing and sale of mifepristone. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for same
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • The two cases are not identical, as there is no dispute that Drogheda and Silkeborg are controlled by the same owner, whereas Textor has never had that much sway at Palace, but Trivela’s travails demonstrate that UEFA is getting increasingly strict with MCO groups.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • There is humor, however, in Lucy being surrounded by identical cheering women who are also in her sorority of peddling soulmates to the soulless as she is told the news.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • What used to be a very niche field with only a small handful of offerings has become a cottage industry full of contenders and pretenders, and any number of startups offering a readymade conversion for your bike.
    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 20 June 2025
  • The truth is, the very data meant to illuminate the path can become a labyrinth of pitfalls if not navigated with caution and a clear strategy.
    Ramalakshmi Murugan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be Doing Right Now? To navigate the synthetic media era, the DOJ and other similar institutions need a mindset and technological shift.
    Jason Crawforth, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • In the House, Representatives Ro Khanna, Democrat of California, and Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, are leading a similar resolution.
    Nik Popli, Time, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond this, the study also showed that owning a dog, or even a cat, significantly boosts human life satisfaction and well-being, to a degree comparable to the impact of family and friends.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • Our concern with this umbrella is that the materials seem slightly more cheaply made and less durable than comparable models.
    Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mycelium is analogous to the roots of a plant (although mushrooms are fungi, not plants).
    Skye Chilton, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
  • These talismans of use are analogous to the often unaffected art work shown at Intuit.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

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