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 Two patients with identical diagnoses can receive very different supportive care based not on science, but geography. — Lorenzo Cohen, STAT, 22 Sep. 2026 Pennsylvania in a close year and Wyoming in a landslide show up looking identical, even though one of them is split down the middle. — Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026 The Chargers lost their opener to the Arizona Cardinals by an identical score — 26-14. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 Instead, two coaches making almost identical money were standing on opposite sidelines Saturday night trying to revive two programs with almost identical problems. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • That same night, Meyer allegedly transferred $10,000 directly from the same fund account, which held investor money raised to buy shares of online casino operator Playstar.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • That same year, Arizona State told the NCAA its men’s hockey head coach was paid $503,680 in salary, benefits and bonuses.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers have documented similar benefits around the globe.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Airlines, including Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, have started offering similar rewards cards through their partner, JPMorgan Chase.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Tickets cost less than $1, while comparable performances elsewhere can cost as much as $300.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • According to Abramson, the pulses are basically imperceptible, comparable to what a pacemaker sends to the heart.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The senator said the Food and Drug Administration's model of pharmaceutical regulation is analogous to the AI debate.
    — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In some ways, shorebirds are analogous to the wolves that hunt the deer and elk populations that eat the tree saplings that become the trees that beavers use to build dams that help the fish—and so on.
    — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Fox News earlier reported the new reductions, which could include any one-star general or above or officer of equivalent Navy rank.
    — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The reason is unlikely a lack of data, because last year’s equivalent release, which came more than a week closer to the conclusion of the tournament, included them.
    — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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