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 Launched in 2021, IXPE carries three identical telescopes designed to measure the polarization of high-energy X-rays. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 The content remained identical, but attendance immediately became more engaged because employees could no longer operate on autopilot. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 The mission carried two identical torsos, nicknamed Helga and Zohar, adapted from radiotherapy dosimetry phantoms already used in cancer treatment planning. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026 For starters, this special trim is mechanically identical to the $19,999 standard model, which launched earlier this year. New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • His distribution was decent, too, completing eight progressive passes per game, placing him 11th among that same group.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That same month, AQMD ordered the company to craft a mitigation plan after residents submitted 900 complaints within a week.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Schore makes a similar distinction when discussing workplace anger.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The side pockets are great for water bottles and similar, while the front pocket and inner pocket securely hold your phone, wallet or other small items that could get lost in the bottom of your back.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Shields said that out-of-state tuition would be around $55,000, a figure comparable to programs at other schools in the region, such as Mississippi State University, Oklahoma State University and Louisiana State University.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Aug. 2026
  • SignalTrace uses a different method, and no independent study has shown comparable performance.
    Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For Russia and Ukraine, the analogous deadlock concerns control over the Donbas.
    Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, an analogous gene swap had previously been shown to be nonviable when introduced into ΦX174 through conventional genetic engineering.
    Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The team’s calculations suggest that a 1% change in strain could produce an effect equivalent to changing the temperature by about 150 kelvin.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The tip is $21,000, approximately equivalent to Joy’s pinky nail.
    Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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