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 Twenty-four years later, Townsend had that same experience, playing professionally on the WTA Tour while pregnant with her baby boy. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 But that doesn’t mean some of those same concerns are no longer risks to the market in the second half of the year. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 25 June 2025 Now that same stylist dresses Haliburton in Comme des Garçons suits, with bags from the Row. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 15 June 2025 Now, that same $5 million AAV looks like a bargain after exploding for 35 goals and 70 points. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for same
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • The two cases are not identical, as there is no dispute that Drogheda and Silkeborg are controlled by the same owner, whereas Textor has never had that much sway at Palace, but Trivela’s travails demonstrate that UEFA is getting increasingly strict with MCO groups.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • There is humor, however, in Lucy being surrounded by identical cheering women who are also in her sorority of peddling soulmates to the soulless as she is told the news.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • What used to be a very niche field with only a small handful of offerings has become a cottage industry full of contenders and pretenders, and any number of startups offering a readymade conversion for your bike.
    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 20 June 2025
  • The truth is, the very data meant to illuminate the path can become a labyrinth of pitfalls if not navigated with caution and a clear strategy.
    Ramalakshmi Murugan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be Doing Right Now? To navigate the synthetic media era, the DOJ and other similar institutions need a mindset and technological shift.
    Jason Crawforth, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • In the House, Representatives Ro Khanna, Democrat of California, and Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, are leading a similar resolution.
    Nik Popli, Time, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

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