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 Heading into Week 9, the Packers and Patriots have identical 5-3 records. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026 Its power and torque outputs are identical to the outgoing Duramax’s at 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 5 Nov. 2026 The margin in that race with all precincts reporting was nearly identical to Womack’s advantage over Moore. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026 By nearly identical margins, Attorney General Letitia James won a third term over impressive Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor. — Ken Girardin, Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • His longtime partner, Evans Richardson, died in April 2023, and he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome that same August.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
  • That same scribe confirmed that bands of chickens roving near the Hollywood Freeway were indeed real and not an urban legend in 2000.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • American officials told the Wall Street Journal that Washington had conducted similar attacks secretly in recent weeks.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Similarly, high-risk activities like mountain climbing, skydiving or something similar won't typically be covered (unless specific add-on coverage is included and paid for before traveling).
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The private screening model has not been used at an airport with Atlanta's passenger volume, leaving no comparable transition to evaluate.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Calls the budget provision forcing municipalities to repay NCDOT hypocritical, pointing to roughly $40 million in design costs wiped out by the PAVE Act with no comparable clawback.
    — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Thelema included three principal gods — Nuit, Hadit, and Ra Hoor Khuit — who are described as being analogous to the ancient Egyptian gods Isis, Osiris, and Horus.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Op de Beeck lauds it as an icon of midcentury design analogous to an Eames chair, and the product of exacting skill and patience.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The company will maintain the older system until its newer model gains equivalent capabilities.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Ottawa says Canadian merchandise exports to China have risen 41 percent so far in 2026 compared with the equivalent period last year.
    — Rich Percival, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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