Synonym Chooser

How is the word same different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of same are equal, equivalent, identical, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," 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

In what contexts can equal take the place of same?

Although the words equal and same have much in common, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When could equivalent be used to replace same?

The synonyms equivalent and same are sometimes interchangeable, but equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When might identical be a better fit than same?

While in some cases nearly identical to same, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How is very related to other words for same?

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 same This same principle applies to personal leadership development. Sherry Martin, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 But never far from the sites of state-building were signs of others undermining that same state. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025 That same day, the university published a statement about Kraus’ disappearance. Sam Gillette, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The hope is that same ethos remains true under Sam Pressman’s leadership of Pressman Film, where the younger Pressman, current CEO of Pressman Film, is now charting a course for his father’s company to keep telling stories for the next 50 years. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for same
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • Malibu and Elvis are dressed in identical outfits that match their mother’s costume.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The organization has asked the identical questions yearly since 2001, and the results are remarkable stable and positive.
    Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Those looking to get their steps in might ping pong between the Lake Stage, near Polk Bros Park at the Pier’s entrance point, and the East Stage, at the very end, practically in the lake.
    Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Founded by Chief Creative Officer, Michael Vamosy, DefiantLA goes one step forward with every project, reshaping the very way brands engage with audiences.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 3 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

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

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