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 Edgerunners Netflix The Relic that D has is not the Relic, despite looking identical, as this is a series of chips, not that there’s a singular one in existence. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Geely’s announcement coincides with identical 2027 trial production targets from BYD, CATL, Gotion High-Tech, and CALB, indicating 2027 is becoming the global industry deadline for early SSB deployment. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 So at South Florida, which has strung together three consecutive bowl berths, times are changing yet again, three years after a nearly identical cycle. Noah White, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Having a solid collection of white tees is essential for fuss-free styling, but that doesn’t mean every piece needs to look identical. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • Once a film is actually on the shelf, that same audience interest becomes data a filmmaker can use.
    Joshua Encinias, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • That same year, Panettiere stood alongside Senator John Kerry for a joint press conference on Capitol Hill to urge the government for strong leadership in opposing commercial whaling and protecting marine life.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Side effects were similar to other vaccines that people typically get for other diseases, Healy noted.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Both would likely keep Ukraine moving in a similar direction.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Estimating their value is difficult as comparable pieces rarely go on public auction.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Further specialist analyses will help determine whether the Kojetín hoard had a comparable significance.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Astronomers are finding that in between the brightest stars, the 'tallest skyscrapers' in the above analogy, there are much fainter stars analogous to smaller buildings.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • War weariness on the rise Ukrainian experts say the logic of hitting largely consumer targets is in part retribution for analogous Russian attacks, and that disrupted supply chains affect the military as well.
    Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Sweeny received his place through the equivalent agreement with Tennis Australia, after Alexei Popyrin, the initial recipient, got into the main draw under his own power following withdrawals.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • That’s equivalent to more than 5% of Russia’s gross domestic product.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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