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 She was released that same day on $1,500 bond, according to online records. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025 But, in those same postwar years, something else was developing. Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025 Yet tech companies also regularly produce chatbots that are better, sometimes drastically so, at those same tasks. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for same
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • Another clip showing a comparison between Matt as a baby, and Darcy at the same age, the father and daughter looking identical to each other, also proved popular online.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Palmer netted an early brace with two almost identical goals just eight minutes apart midway through the first half.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The composers also had to navigate the IP’s legacy, in particular, that of John Williams’ original heroic themes – the very DNA of Superman.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • The earworm of a theme song and classic scenes are etched into the very fiber of the park.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This doesn’t come without challenges, especially with junior staff who haven’t weathered similar storms before.
    Philip A. Nardone, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Mimic Alba’s seasonal slay by shopping similar vests, pants, caps, sunglasses, and bags from Amazon.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The price is comparable to competitors, plus the products are regularly on sale with free shipping and gifts.
    Stewart Savin, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
  • Yes, Amazon Prime Day deals are comparable to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The war between Russia and Ukraine is not perfectly analogous to contingencies that the United States may face in the future, and not every lesson in Ukraine is applicable to U.S. military planning, but this war is nonetheless full of instructive technological innovations and breakthroughs.
    JON FINER, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025
  • And the concho found fans across the world—especially among people who see its plight as analogous to their own, and who have latched on to it as a symbol of resilience.
    Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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