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 MacBook deals Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air with the M4 chip is nearly identical to its 13-inch sibling. Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 26 Mar. 2026 This warning is identical to a plea Hicks made in early March. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026 In appearance, the Tokara Leaf Warbler is nearly identical to Ijima’s Leaf Warbler. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026 The story is almost exactly identical (with a few adjustments), only with some fantastic songs and some of the best special effects ever to grace the Bass Hall stage. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • Setyan is confident about pricing aligning with inflation in the fiscal fourth quarter, particularly at LongHorn Steakhouse, which gives more clarity on fiscal 2027 same-store sales growth and margin expectations.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Lamont applies this same consensus-and-coalition building within our own state regularly.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The situation mirrors a recent case in Sweetwater, where hundreds of families were also displaced under similar terms, with financial incentives decreasing the longer residents wait to leave.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr Elarms-Orr is in a similar position as Obiazor.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Many of Mecklenburg County’s top officials make similar or better money than those doing comparable jobs in other parts of the state and country.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Dell’s total headcount fell roughly 10%, or about 11,000 employees, in fiscal 2026, according to its 10-K filing, which is the third consecutive year of comparable declines.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The public nuisance theory in the New Mexico case is designed to produce an analogous structural outcome for social media.
    Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Beitler sees scrolling on TikTok as analogous to surfing TV channels.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In New York, which has a far-better staffed law department and rarely uses private counsel, the equivalent figure was less than $400,000 per year of incarceration.
    Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on identical

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster