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 There are articles from the National Library of Medicine that refer to mirror movement as involuntary, simultaneous, identical movements on one side of the body that mirror the voluntary movements from the other side of the body. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 Over all, Lee said, the album is an almost identical remake of the original—a technically difficult task to pull off. Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 Jane's testimony, which is likely to continue deep into next week, is identical in many ways to the four-day testimony in the trial's first week by Cassie. Michael R. Sisak, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 The overall design of the Switch 2 is almost identical to the original Switch. PC Magazine, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • During the second inning, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos lifted a sinking line drive into right field, conjuring Espada’s memories of a far more consequential fly ball hit to that same spot.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Now, James brings that same sense of purpose and resilience to the NBA — and to the Queen City.
    Shane Connuck June 26, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Phillies faced a similar dilemma last year and opted to trade for outfielder Austin Hayes, but he was injured and sick before eventually being cut from the team.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • More than a dozen House Democrats have co-sponsored the resolution, and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has put forward a similar measure in the Senate.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Must-read: The FT has a lengthy feature on how climate change is causing a systemic crisis in the property insurance business on a scale comparable to the 2008 financial crisis.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • In fact, this valuation is roughly comparable to that of its competitor SoFi, which was profitable last year and has demonstrated a quicker customer growth rate.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lawsuits challenging Trump administration cuts in grant funding by other agencies, such as the Department Health and Human Services, have made analogous arguments.
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Mycelium is analogous to the roots of a plant (although mushrooms are fungi, not plants).
    Skye Chilton, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • BofA estimated the central banks’ gold holdings are now equivalent to just under 18% of outstanding U.S. public debt, up from 13% a decade ago.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 June 2025
  • When patents expire, generic drug companies rush in to make their own versions, which are supposed to be equivalent to the brand.
    Debbie Cenziper, CNN Money, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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