Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of same are equal, equivalent, identical, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," 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

In what contexts can equal take the place of same?

Although the words equal and same have much in common, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When could equivalent be used to replace same?

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

two houses equivalent in market value

When might identical be a better fit than same?

While in some cases nearly identical to same, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How is very related to other words for same?

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 same Oak Bluffs still holds that same significance today. James Powel, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025 Don't let kids eat there either, same excuses (eat before, etc). Latoya Gayle, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025 That same protocol was also activated in the game against Alaves the following month. Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025 That same team mentality shown by Arkansas’ players is what has made this summer so distinguished. Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for same
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • Tencel Rib Knit Maxi Slip Dress This dress looks nearly identical to the popular Skims slip dress, but costs 25 percent less and is a better fit for plus-size shoppers, as one customer shared.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The pain and pleasure of revenge, in other words, were identical to the pain and pleasure associated with addiction.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Club officers and advisors remember students who demonstrate genuine interest and commitment from the very beginning.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the payments would be similar to the 2020 payments issued at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, rebates differ from stimulus checks.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 9 Aug. 2025
  • While the data shows a spike in crime in these areas, citywide data shows that crime is occurring at similar rates to last year.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This was a team that many in March thought had upside comparable to the Dodgers.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • There is no federal insurance comparable to FDIC coverage for bank deposits.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This is analogous to what occurs with respect to ACIP’s recommendations for vaccines.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The process might be analogous to how amino acids spontaneously formed simple organic molecules roughly 4 billion years ago.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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