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 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Recent Examples of identical One reason for our collective frustration is that government programs still mimic the outdated assembly line, which uses identical parts (inflexible regulations) to mass produce an identical product (a social outcome). Libby Schaaf, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025 In terms of form and function, the Even Realities G1 glasses appear on paper to be more or less identical to the Rokid Glasses and the RayNeo X3. Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025 Fill them with identical plants for a classic, stately look. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 On the Cinerama-sized screen (Imax will be jealous) stretching the entire length of the stage are three separate identical visions of whoever has the microphone, presenter and recipient. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for identical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • For leaders, cultivating this same intentionality can transform your team.
    Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
  • That coach is still in there, carrying all those same beliefs, but perhaps not in the same form.
    Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • With similar conditions forecast, the state's proactive measures aim to mitigate risks to residents and critical infrastructure.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • After scenes of the infected slamming against a barrier and people rushing to grab rifles flash across the scene, the teaser ends with Ellie also walking down a similar hallway with her gun pointed ahead.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Greenland's area is more comparable to that of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is still slightly larger.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Obviously, Rooker is not in the same class as Judge and Soto here, but is comparable to Stanton and O’Neill - both had slightly higher K rates, and his BB rate slotted in neatly between O’Neill (11.3%) and Stanton (8.2%).
    Tony Blengino, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Top 10 Center Fielders There is no other MLB team in the Toronto media market, so Guerrero's situation will not be perfectly analogous to the precedents set by Soto and Ohtani.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The table lamp adds an analogous touch by pairing colors that are next to each other on the color wheel: yellow and orange.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, economists say the recent rise in bond yields is not equivalent to the surge seen in 2022 as the moves have been significantly less dramatic and the macro backdrop — including a cooling of inflation — has changed.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 5 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near identical

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on identical

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