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 An almost identical share (49%) of people from that cohort also reported living with parents, according to the survey, which was fielded in October. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 This stretchy pick is nearly identical to Lopez’s original pair, but likely costs a fraction of the price. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 18 July 2026 The penalty is identical to that for desecrating the flag or other national emblem of a foreign state, which was already in place. News Desk, Artforum, 17 July 2026 Its image quality isn't identical, however, as the R6 V's fully electronic shutter restricts Raw images to 12-bit quality, versus 14-bit for the EOS R6 Mark III. Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 17 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
  • Lawsuit attacks diversity efforts The lawsuit comes amid a broader crackdown on diversity initiatives nationwide as conservatives argue similar programs treat white people unfairly.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Across the pond, All-Star Games don’t exist, and there really aren’t any similar types of contests.
    Kamran Nia July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Taking 4 million barrels off the market would be roughly comparable to the amount that China stopped importing during the war – an action oil analysts say has helped keep energy prices relatively low despite the record-smashing oil supply shock.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The system is still expanding, but new units are contributing more of the overall growth as comparable sales moderate.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 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
  • The field will unlock more than 600 million standard cubic feet of natural gas and associated gas liquids per day, according to ADNOC, equivalent to nearly 10% of the UAE’s current daily gas consumption.
    Emma Graham, CNBC, 21 July 2026
  • The mathematics system allows the system to recognize mathematically equivalent work.
    Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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