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very

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adjective

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as in same
being one and not another we stayed in the very hotel my parents stayed in for their honeymoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of very are equal, equivalent, identical, same, and selfsame. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

When is equal a more appropriate choice than very?

The words equal and very can be used in similar contexts, but equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When might equivalent be a better fit than very?

In some situations, the words equivalent and very are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

In what contexts can identical take the place of very?

The words identical and very are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of very?

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

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 very
Adverb
Press very firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025 Peters returns for the Manhattan Theatre Club’s fresh, surprising and very special Broadway production, following its run in Los Angeles. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025 The resort, however, is on an incline, and the hot springs are at the very top of the hill. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
Adverb
  • Revel is extremely talented, but the Bills need a corner who can step in and be good to go from the beginning of the season.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Western Conference Finals Potential Opponents: Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves or Golden State Warriors The expectation is that the Thunder will have a clear path to the Western Conference Finals, which will undoubtedly be an extremely tough series.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Capponi also encourages celebrity entrepreneurs to really nail down understanding their supply chain.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
  • To empower [children] in that way is really important.
    Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, that same principle is under threat in Ukraine, and the U.S. risks repeating past mistakes.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Arriving at Augusta that same week, the question was unavoidable, so McIlroy answered it.
    Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, a whopping 57% of couples begin discussing engagement over a year before a proposal and a mere 2% never discussed it.
    Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The goal of the project is to position women as central figures, as many ancient texts and paintings traditionally depict male heroism, while women are often relegated to mere decoration and reproductive roles.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That for real was like holding the mirror up to myself.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Back here in the real world, other Under 30 honorees are harnessing AI to tackle important problems.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Will people be more open and accept that a simple, inexpensive date isn’t the sign of low effort but rather a reflection of the economy none of us asked for?
    Myisha Battle, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Its second life on streaming has guided new viewers to the simple charms of one of the best mystery shows of all time.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • An incredibly realistic short almond nail set that may just have your friends fooled.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
  • McIlroy came out incredibly hot, turning a two-shot deficit to Justin Rose into a three-shot lead in just over an hour.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • The struggles of United and Spurs have been pored over for months, but West Ham’s truly dreadful campaign has gone under the radar.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Until this is clarified − and truly clarified, not subject to the ever-changing whims of one man − all Americans will be held in limbo, and this will crush economic growth.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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