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 She was arrested and released from custody that same day and, shortly thereafter, voluntarily entered the state-run Elgin Mental Health Center for nearly five weeks of treatment. Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 In fact, the very places that long supplied rubber, cotton, metal, and other goods to imperial viceroys now serve as dumping grounds for the modern descendants of some of those same powers. Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025 Four of Jones’ children, Rashida, Martina, Quincy III, and Kenya accepted an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award for their father that same month at the Governor’s Awards. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 27 Feb. 2025 That same month, the council majority also considered a proposal to privatize the library. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for same
Recent Examples of Synonyms for same
Adjective
  • Did both sides not set staffers aside after the call to prepare an identical readout of what was agreed?
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Wong drew inspiration from the philatelic concept of tête-bêche — two identical stamps linked together, with one flipped upside down — for the restaurant logo, while his cinematic style influenced its interior decor.
    Denni Hu, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And making memories with their mom later in life was Chris Prichard – the very man investigators were now chasing.
    Jonathan Vigliotti, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • An abrupt loathing of the ocean itself swept over Cassidy, the very sight, smell.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie recently expressed similar thoughts, saying Phoenix’s star power makes the Suns impossible to ignore.
    Doug Haller, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Many of the themes the shows touch on are also similar.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Brown says the championship game sold out months ago at rates that are comparable to NFL games, and that overall tournament ad sales are pacing nearly 200 percent above last year, an enormous increase at a moment where the overall ad business is still embracing a certain amount of austerity.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
  • He's known for his power just like Stanton, and the numbers in 2024 were very comparable.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Expert regulatory economists have pointed to analogous benefits to the American economy that would stem from U.S. regulatory reform (which President Trump has made a top priority for his second term).
    Alden Abbott, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The other bird has one copy of the standard and one copy of the supergene, analogous to the XY genotype.
    Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Same.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/same. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on same

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