Definition of identicalnext

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

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 identical Former Navy Secretary John Phelan — ostensibly fired due to insufficient progress on a new US shipbuilding plan — circulated a draft shipbuilding proposal before his ouster, reviewed by Semafor, that appears largely identical to the official version his successor released. Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 June 2026 However, current flu tests cannot differentiate between them, and clinical treatments are identical for both. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 While outwardly identical, the two 14-inch laptops have very different processors. Michael J. Miller, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026 Heading into last night’s start, Schlitter’s strikeout rate, walk rate and WHIP were almost identical to Skenes’. Levi Weaver, New York Times, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • Like the experience of trudging through a snowstorm with pink eye, and, days later, standing atop a mountain and using those same eyes to absorb the light of so many stars.
    Alexandra Oliva June 1, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Those same Golden Knights that just sent the Avs packing have Mitch Marner taking up a $12-million hit, and Jack Eichel eating up another $10 million.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to data from research firm Alpine Macro, Indian stocks are currently trading at 21 times forward earnings, similar to Taiwan, while South Korean equities are trading at nine times forward earnings.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • This presumably means ground operations, which could result in considerable American casualties, or infrastructure strikes, which could lead Iran to retaliate against similar targets in the Gulf.
    Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Accessible rooms are available, putting this hotel head and shoulders above comparable historic properties.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • No, Love Island contestants aren’t exactly producing dialogue comparable to The Bard of Avon’s work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • StubHub said the demand for Game 3 tickets at MSG is analogous to the Super Bowl.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 4 June 2026
  • Despite the analogous finals matchup, some components of modern life in 2026 may look unfamiliar to the time traveler, while other scenes may strike a similar chord.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Through narrow, treacherous tunnels, some waterlogged and cold enough for wetsuits, others so tight oxygen was scarce, the men navigated 260 meters (approximately 850 feet), from the chamber they’d been trapped in to the cave’s mouth, a distance equivalent to the height of a 78-story building.
    Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
  • By then, analysts outlined how the NDAA’s provision to arm Iraq with equivalent systems could ultimately scupper any Kurdish acquisition, or at least delay it indefinitely.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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