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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
Has energy, is very team oriented. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025 The mop feature is also fantastic for wood floors and very useful for spills while cooking. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Her very presence, which succeeds at generating buzz and not much else, feels fitting for a show that seems to want not to be watched so much as mined for viral bits and pieces. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025 The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two suits brought by small businesses challenging the president's authority to impose tariffs, the very foundation of his aggressive trade policy. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
Adverb
  • Sharon is extremely annoying, but my heart does break for her a tiny bit here.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Satchel Crossbody This effortlessly chic crossbody bag will add an elegant flair to any daytime look while also being extremely functional.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Hoeschele recalled early debates about whether the company should really commit to such an audacious investment.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But the piece of evidence that really works in Lisa’s favor is that the other women’s smoking gun doesn’t hold water.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In fiscal 2025, Starbucks reported a 1% decline in same store sales in China, weighed down by 5% decrease in the average amount of money a customer spends per transaction.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But Wall Street is anticipating that McDonald's will report same-store sales growth for the second straight quarter, showing that its value strategy is winning over customers.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Shein—a global fast-fashion juggernaut headquartered in Singapore—was mere days away from opening its first physical store in Paris, inside the BHV Marais department store, when the news hit.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Far from being a mere flaw, hypocrisy is the crucible in which ideals and reality collide.
    Shadi Hamid, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But still, 10 days with no real food suuuuuuuuuuuucks.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Inspired by real life, much of her work serves as testimony.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Disney is incredibly unlikely to ever admit that politics were a factor in Doctor Who‘s cancellation, but Jimmy Kimmel’s brief suspension was revealing of the company’s desire to minimize MAGA wrath.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
  • There’s always someone around the corner who’s eager to please you, but being so recognizable can become incredibly isolating as well.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Dourif seems to have truly found his calling within the horror genre.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • If the Chinese truly agree to keep the supply of critical minerals flowing on an ongoing basis, the world will win.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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