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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
Iris and Pepe, whose relationship is very new, though still steamy, are the least likely to win, with odds of 8/1 (+800). Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025 Even though Lake of the Prairies is situated in a deep – and very scenic – valley, north winds or south winds can be a pain. Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
Adjective
The request claims Baldoni’s team has gone to great lengths to generate negative press about Lively since the very beginning of litigation. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025 From the very start, the assignment was doing [film number] eight, and another director would do nine. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
Adverb
  • Since its inception, one of the big selling points of the Chromatic has been its extremely durable sapphire display, and interestingly enough, this restock arrives with an additional, cheaper screen option: Gorilla Glass.
    Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Moreover, the 33 year old state Assemblyman was carried to victory by an extremely diverse coalition, winning Asian voters (+15), Hispanic voters (+6), and White voters (+5) according to an analysis by the New York Times.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Adverb
  • Each suite has its own floor, but the public spaces are where the hotel really shines.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • She’s really elevated the issue to a national level.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This article has been updated to include new information from the Department of Homeland Security clarifying that a detainee at Alligator Alcatraz was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital on Monday, but was not admitted and returned to the detention center that same day.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • That same day, Penelope's grandmother Kris Jenner shared a carousel of photos on her Instagram celebrating her granddaughter's birthday.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is not mere speculation; it is based on empirical evidence.
    Chris Talgo, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Just a mere 90 feet away sat the tying run and a chance to shift momentum.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • If no deal is reached by August, there is a real danger that President Trump will impose high tariffs.
    Myron Brilliant, Time, 9 July 2025
  • When marriages seemed to fail, there was no real option to divorce.
    Ann Foster, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • These patterns are muted, simple, and still full of personality, like this pillow cover in indigo which looks exactly suited to a couch in a captain’s quarters, yacht-appropriate, or like a great porch nap pillow along a white rattan sofa.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
  • Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
Adverb
  • This particular trick works incredibly well for window and standing air conditioners, since their output is already focused in a single area of the home.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
  • Sour Strawberry Candy Belts These sour straws are almost too chewy, but incredibly satisfying.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 July 2025
Adverb
  • The reality is, to care deeply is truly a privilege—a special, quiet superpower, as Dr. Romanoff puts it.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 July 2025
  • Even the psychological pain can be hard to fathom, especially for those who have never truly been lonely.
    Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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