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 Students’ course materials, assignments and exams were identical across all four sections. Saharnaz Babaei-Balderlou, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 See two identical charts below. Carter Braxton Worth, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026 The 30-ounce Yeti Rambler with Magslider Lid is identical to their 20-ounce. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026 Many species look identical to the eye but carry distinct genetic signatures marking them as entirely separate organisms. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • In his talks with employees, Provost frequently cites those same Chinese manufacturers as an example for the kind of agility and efficiency Renault should aspire to, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private.
    Albertina Torsoli, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • That same night, the chamber hosted a reunion for Rainbow PUSH alumni to commemorate Jackson and his years of activism.
    Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The single unit power, energy storage capacity and conversion efficiency of this project rank first globally among similar salt cavern CAES power plants, according to the company.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The international tournament returns Wednesday, with 20 teams competing in a format similar to the FIFA World Cup, with a group stage starting in Asia, followed by knockout rounds and the championship game at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The office has long handled discrimination cases in areas like housing and employment, but students don’t have a comparable option to file complaints.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Already, in head-to-head diagnostic comparisons, generative AI performs at levels comparable to human clinicians.
    Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most analogous example among automotive marques is Porsche, the first automobile of which emerged in 1948 from an Austrian barn and, within 15 years, transformed into what has become the most collectible sports car in the world.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Such buying and selling is analogous to feeding more or less gas to a car.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Rio’s Civil Police said the four young men in pretrial detention will be charged with rape, while a fifth suspect — a minor — turned himself in Friday to face an equivalent charge under juvenile law.
    Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Using this highly conductive material, the Amorphous Motor’s losses to stator iron are reduced by 50% compared to equivalent designs.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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