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 That pace held nearly identical to the prior year, even as population growth slowed—a sign that construction is responding to demand in the places where demand is loudest. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 May 2026 In May, a Gartner study found that 80% of companies piloting or deploying AI have reduced their workforce, and that reduction rates were nearly identical at companies reporting strong returns and those reporting modest gains or losses. Julie Averill, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Robertson scores points at a nearly identical rate to Kyle Connor and is eligible for UFA status as early as next summer. Murat Ates, New York Times, 15 May 2026 That split is all but identical to last season’s 111/54 ratio. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • Some of these same members that are voting on decisions like this are accepting gifts from billionaires.
    NBC news, NBC news, 10 May 2026
  • Over that same period, call volumes have tripled.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • On the topic, Becerra noted that the state should work with an AI company to ensure that data centers stay in California and operate in a manner that benefits residents rather than causing issues similar to other states.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • On Thursday, a tipster sent us a copy of a similar bulletin drafted by Nissan in anticipation of a similar supply crunch—and an accompanying price hike for service departments.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • In January, the FCC issued new guidance over the equal time rule, which requires broadcasters that feature a political candidate on their airwaves offer comparable time to rivals, if it is requested.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • Morgan Rielly, the high-end comparable Drance found for Buium, is also a key comparable according to Buium’s current Net Rating profile.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • There is no analogous player in this squad to Grimaldo; Marc Cucurella, the man who has displaced him in the Spain team, is positionally smart but a more effective off-ball runner than on-ball playmaker.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • The experience of using TikTok is analogous to watching TV.
    Jessica Maddox, The Conversation, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, on Rikers, Richards’s presence seemed to inspire an equivalent degree of intensity.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The process was the shipbuilding equivalent of tearing a house down to the studs.
    Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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