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 While everyone feels identical in basic combat and movement, each hero is made distinct by a unique gadget tree and fun unlockable ultimate abilities. Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 22 May 2026 At the same time, these accounts operate in similar but not identical ways. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 20 May 2026 Other Ways To Propagate Fig trees can also be propagated from seed, but this method can take more time to start producing fruit, and the fruit trees grown from seed may not be an identical match to the parent plant. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 May 2026 Savitt noted that Musk’s xAI, a competitor to OpenAI, is a for-profit company, and asked if xAI presents identical dangers. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • The rooms Each stand-alone A-frame tent is structured and designed the exact same—the only difference between the rooms is the view.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
  • Imagine what could happen if that same level of respect and investment was applied to Historic Eatonville while honoring the people and history already rooted there.
    John W. Beacham, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • On the topic, Becerra noted that the state should work with an AI company to ensure that data centers stay in California and operate in a manner that benefits residents rather than causing issues similar to other states.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • On Thursday, a tipster sent us a copy of a similar bulletin drafted by Nissan in anticipation of a similar supply crunch—and an accompanying price hike for service departments.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The overall resolution of the Pro display is crisp, bright and certainly comparable to the MacBook Air display and possibly not far off that of the MacBook Pro.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Winners may not substitute, assign, or transfer any prize or redeem any prize for cash; however, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to substitute a prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.
    Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • After two years of deep adoption, leaving a platform is no longer analogous to switching a software vendor.
    Raghav Ramabadran, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • What crosses the line What the federal FTC Act and analogous state consumer-deception statutes usually care about is not whether a design is annoying.
    Gregory M. Dickinson, The Conversation, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Boutiques are not about making direct sales to the equivalent amount that the store costs.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
  • The vote stems from the district’s broader layoff plan, which included nearly 568 full-time-equivalent classified positions — a measure showing staffing hours rather than the exact number of people affected.
    Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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