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 The new deal, set to take effect in July, will provide identical performance bonuses for both hoops programs, including $250,000 if either wins their respective NCAA national championship and $50,000 for taking the Big Ten tournament title. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026 While not an identical player, his ability to impact both ends of the floor more closely resembles the impact Nickeil Alexander-Walker had for Minnesota off the bench than anyone currently on the roster can provide. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026 In one case, a pair of designer jeans appeared identical to the item listed on a retailer's website. Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 The Honda Passport Trailsport follows a virtually identical formula (two-row, midsize, unibody) and pricing structure, and offers similar off-roading capabilities. Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • Anyone who purchases a rodeo ticket also gains same-day access to the Stock Show grounds.
    Brayden Garcia January 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Services revenue is expected to grow at a year-over-year rate similar to what Apple just reported, so call it about 14%.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Everyone followed a similar sartorial rhythm, in sheer looks, black sparkles, and some cool-toned mint.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In a comparable case in the United States in 2023, a federal judge imposed $5,000 fines on two lawyers and a law firm after ChatGPT was blamed for their submission of fictitious legal research in an aviation injury claim.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • At the center of this movement is OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, whose generative AI models represent a general-purpose capability—comparable to the steam engine or electric motor—that can amplify nearly every form of knowledge work.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cash App This app is analogous to Venmo.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
  • This would be analogous to having one arm tied behind your back.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • My research explores how well-meaning, but draconian, efforts to correct the abusive opioid prescription promotion practices of drug companies were followed by a nationwide explosion of overdoses from illicit opioids, again in the absence of equivalent efforts to make opioid treatment available.
    Charles LeBaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In Syria, an equivalent system existed under the Assad dynasty, in which rural Alawites (a heterodox sect that emerged from Shiism) dominated the security agencies that policed a Sunni majority.
    Elizabeth Tsurkov, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on identical

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