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very

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adjective

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as in same
being one and not another we stayed in the very hotel my parents stayed in for their honeymoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of very are equal, equivalent, identical, same, and selfsame. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

When is equal a more appropriate choice than very?

The words equal and very can be used in similar contexts, but equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When might equivalent be a better fit than very?

In some situations, the words equivalent and very are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

In what contexts can identical take the place of very?

The words identical and very are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of very?

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

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 very
Adverb
Artwork can always be colorful, even in a very neutral room. Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025 The latest trailer was released on May 14, and it's packed with heroic vibes, jaw-dropping visuals, and what looks like a very annoyed protagonist. Devonne Goode, Parents, 14 May 2025
Adjective
In the book, the reveal comes a lot later, at the very end is the CPR kiss. William Earl, Variety, 14 May 2025 Rather than treating this as an opportunity to innovate or diversify educational offerings that may attract more students, CPS has doubled down on restrictions — hoarding vacant buildings while stifling the very charter schools that could help serve evolving community needs. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
Adverb
  • No league in the United States is more popular than the National Football League, making the schedule release an extremely exciting day for the sports world.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • The economic sanctions cut off Syria from the global financial system and has made economic recovery extremely challenging after 14 years of grinding war.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Adverb
  • The Leafs look like a team right now that really needs its goalie to lead the way and keep games close, even if there’s a barrage of shots coming his way.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Audience reviews were polarized, but some people really loved it.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • From the ground level, guests can catch that same elevator to the left of Yoshi’s Adventure to go upstairs.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • That same attorney made an initial offer for Dixon to receive $1.5 million.
    Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The eight Black Sox players were acquitted on Aug. 2, 1921, after the jury convened for a mere two hours, 47 minutes.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • This took mere minutes but left a lasting impression on me as a customer.
    Jesper With-Fogstrup, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • All of his links to the real world are frayed or contrived.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
  • Performances from notable actors like Sean Bean and Patrick Stewart stand out, but the real stars are the voice actors who portray dozens of unique characters throughout Cyrodiil.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • As artificial intelligence models grow increasingly sophisticated, their capabilities extend far beyond simple task execution.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adverb
  • Like its younger sibling, the whiskey has an incredibly broad aroma, encompassing fresh and dried tropical and orchard fruits, nuts, caramel or butterscotch, and vanilla.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • As incredibly fast as that is, space is incredibly spread out.
    Jarred Roberts, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
Adverb
  • So how did Beane feel about the postseason — where MLB teams are truly judged — according to the book itself?
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • If your leadership team doesn’t truly care about the customer, that sentiment takes root in the organization and trickles down to the user experience.
    Ross Andrew Paquette, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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