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 forecast is almost identical to Wednesday, with sunshine and highs in the 80s in store for Thursday afternoon. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Lutikizumab was generally safe and well tolerated, with adverse event rates that were nearly identical between the placebo and treatment groups. — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026 According to Archaeology News, adult women and teenage boys leave almost identical prints, so past studies struggled to differentiate between them. — News Desk, Artforum, 21 Oct. 2026 For instance, identical stones thrown in a perfect circle onto the pond would create strong constructive interference when all the waves met in the middle of the circle. — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • Reopened later that same day after a third visit found one high-priority violation.
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Kramer asserted that the Academy’s somewhat controversial deal with YouTube was inspired by this same desire to cultivate deeper ties with filmmakers and film lovers across the globe.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But his planning doesn’t mean that the tax would survive the courts, and in any case, not every billionaire will necessarily make similar arrangements.
    — Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Garshick told Prevention that stacking actives carries similar risks.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The ads did run at lower rates than comparable spots paid for by Too Extreme for Idaho, according to Federal Communications Commission filings examined by the Statesman.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Coke expects comparable earnings per share to grow at least 11%, up from its prior forecast of an increase in the range of 9% to 10%.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Canada retaliated with its own set of near-analogous duties on more than $20 billion in American goods in early September.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Bayzo's pub is analogous to an English tavern, with creamy cups of clam chowder and a piano likely to launch you into Elton John renditions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Since radio waves travel at close to the speed of light, a signal could theoretically cover distances equivalent to the planet's circumference several times in a single second.
    — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Beginning July 1, 2027, the state would direct an amount equivalent to 50% of the qualifying tax revenue to the fund.
    — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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