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 Plenty thought that Egypt had qualified because of their away goal in the 3-1 defeat in the previous game against Algeria, but their identical overall record in the group forced a play-off in Sudan, where Shehata’s side underperformed and lost 1-0. Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 4 July 2026 The only figure, man or woman, not shown wearing identical American-flag blue is the poet Phillis Wheatley, who wears a pastel shade and who also happens to be the only Black person featured in the gallery. Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 The effortlessly chic duo has delivered some impressive sartorial moments over the years, including almost identical white outfits for Paris Fashion Week in 2025. Meg Walters, InStyle, 3 July 2026 Zillennials are living through a structurally identical moment, one technological generation later. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • That same article was referenced in a separate social media dispute involving a professor at Austin Peay State University, who later received a $500,000 settlement after being fired, according to The Tennessean newspaper.
    Corey Schmidt July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • Single tickets and same-day upgrades are far easier to grab than pairs or groups.
    Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately for this part of the Lamborghini customer base, its chief marketing and sales officer Federico Foschini says there are currently no plans to put a similar transmission in one of the marque’s supercars.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
  • Plenty of similar parties benefit from the same big-tent communal mindset.
    Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • The compensation study completed last December showed many positions were at or above the 50th percentile among comparable agencies, including the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and Cameron Park Community Services District.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • The Dominican Republic hasn’t hosted a multisport competition of comparable scale since the 2003 Pan American Games.
    Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Any autonomous physical unit must demonstrate something at least analogous to an understanding of the laws of the physical world.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026
  • Quantum versions of many classic math problems also come with analogous quantum proofs.
    Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Its headcount, however, has continued to reduce, with a net reduction of 400 equivalent full-time roles by March 2026.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
  • Workforce reductions continued in parallel, with public service headcount falling by a net 400 full-time equivalent roles in the past year alone, part of a decline of more than 2,200 roles, or over 10%, since 2019/20.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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