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 Arlington’s profile looked similar to Fort Worth’s, with housing and income levels almost identical. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025 In a 2017 study co-authored by Nelson, fitness class participants reported getting a more intense workout and working harder in a 20-minute hot yoga session compared with an identical room temperature session. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025 However, a comparison shows identical wording in numerous places. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025 These brothers look identical to me. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • Proposition 50 would lock that same culture into our election maps, giving politicians the power to protect themselves and their allies instead of voters.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • His days as a starting pitcher are gone — save for a unique scenario Wednesday, when he’ll be called into action — but that same modicum of joy remains.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Both have spoken, as field athletes in cricket-dominant countries, about similar challenges around facilities, finances and support.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Sinner had similar problems here and came into the contest with a 57 percent reading.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Israeli F-15s had no comparable missile to the Phoenix at that time.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Neither quarterback lit the world on fire as a rookie, though Maye posted comparable -- if not better -- stats to Williams with less playing time.
    Michael Hurley, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It can also be explained from basic scientific principles and is roughly analogous to the way a dry surface, such as pavement, warms more than a moist surface, such as soil, on a hot, sunny day.
    Nadir Jeevanjee, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Consider the analogous case of GPS navigation and spatial cognition.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Milwaukee groceries generally pricier than Green Bay, Appleton Comparing the same grocery list to equivalent stores in Green Bay and Appleton, Milwaukee groceries were generally up to a few dollars more expensive in September.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee projects growth equivalent to seven Seattle-sized cities within ten years.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on identical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!