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

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 same That same year, Ball was promoted to principal dancer. Irina Aleksander, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024 As previously reported, Michelle Nader, who served as showrunner on Dennings’ last two shows — CBS’ 2 Broke Girls and Hulu’s Dollface — will serve in that same capacity on Shifting Gears. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 10 Dec. 2024 However, this same discretion, the court added, shields the agency's decisions from being second-guessed by the courts​. Jesus Mesa, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 While a bag of Cheetos and a roll of duct tape would probably cost you around $10, an art piece crafted with those same products has sold for thousands. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for same 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • Her sisters, with their identical looks, would prank teachers by switching places.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Older people who might not be as familiar with new technologies such as AI can be particularly susceptible to these types of scams, particularly when the caller on the other line sounds identical to a loved one.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • That would not be possible without the very arm that will run the new venue.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 16 Dec. 2024
  • This move, it can be argued, is contrary to the very culture of the United States.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This faux-shearling coat from Gap has slim lines and a single row of buttons, similar to what Holmes wore, but in all-black.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Concerns have been voiced within the community regarding the paint schemes for the team's No. 6 and No. 60 cars under the Castrol sponsorship, which resulted in similar looks for each vehicle, allegedly diminishing their individual identities.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Rural states like West Virginia have life expectancies akin to those in developing nations, while wealthier states like California boast outcomes comparable to European ones.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Lululemon China Sales As a result, the company has turned to China for growth, which so far has helped lift sales across the overall business and because of that company-wide comparable sales grew 4% during the quarter.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Self-publishing is analogous to modern communication, but more in relation to social media and blogging than self-publishing on Amazon or through a vanity press.
    Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024
  • PMTs would function in an analogous role to deliver basic primary care.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near same

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

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