Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of identical are equal, equivalent, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

In what contexts can equal take the place of identical?

In some situations, the words equal and identical are roughly equivalent. However, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When is equivalent a more appropriate choice than identical?

The synonyms equivalent and identical are sometimes interchangeable, but equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

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

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

How does the word very relate to other synonyms for identical?

Very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

Examples of identical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Andrew Garbarino, the House Republican who introduced an identical bill, has said the SEC rule increases cybersecurity risk and overlaps with existing law on incident reporting. Hugh Son, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2024 These surely include the outcomes of many previous games that had identical scores, innings, and runners on base, but the company hasn’t shared what all is factored in. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2024 Maintaining the exact products—and sleek bun—from Rick Owens, the back-to-back shows delivered a near identical and avant-garde beauty moment. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024 For drivers who preferred their power in a more genteel package, the V-12 S600 delivered almost identical outputs — 362 hp in original form, 493 after gaining twin turbos in ’03. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for identical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'identical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near identical

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on identical

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