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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
The film’s topic is very relevant today, as minorities all over the world face threats of harassment and sometimes their very extermination. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 7 June 2025 King Charles is very sick, and there are reports that succession plans are already underway. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 7 June 2025
Adjective
Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 7 June 2025 Read on to learn about the items that should be at the very top of your Costco list. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
Adverb
  • Mills, a longtime associate of Fiona Apple, knows this territory well: the pointed self-analysis of an extremely sensitive person.
    Jenn Pelly, Time, 7 June 2025
  • City’s academy has been extremely productive in recent years, with Phil Foden the shining light, but Rico Lewis, James McAtee, Oscar Bobb and O’Reilly are all now established squad players.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Adverb
  • Patricia Arquette is really, really into the world of Severance.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • There was really no odds-on favorite for the women’s match.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • That same year, the FDA further eased several conditions with respect to the prescribing and sale of mifepristone.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • That same year, Milk was assassinated alongside Mayor George Moscone at City Hall by former Supervisor Dan White.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is hardly surprising, as medical training catapults ordinary people into the extraordinary, where life-or-death stakes are no mere metaphors.
    Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025
  • Los Angeles is now a mere 12 months away from serving as primary host of the World Cup soccer championships, and three years away from taking the world stage as host of both the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s the real opportunity for the industry today.
    Shahar Man, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • JoJo Siwa has been on a real rollercoaster ride over the past month.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Track what brings business Your process on LinkedIn is simple.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Ahead of the most important game of the year, Luke Esquivel said the key to a strong performance will be simple.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025
Adverb
  • After four successful seasons of Godfather of Harlem — a true cultural phenomenon — moving into producing and creating new shows with him felt incredibly natural and organic.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
  • Chris and Paul are not only supremely talented but incredibly nice and generous.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Adverb
  • In my eyes, the competition doesn’t truly start until Jones returns to the practice field.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • Everyone was truly invested in this adaptation and each and everyone brought part of their own passion in this project.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 8 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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