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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

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 very
Adverb
Or, at the very least, something just to sweep us away from reality for a while. Annalise Frank, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025 The Phoenix Suns appear to be the team pushing hardest to trade for Butler, according to league sources, but the complication is that Suns guard Bradley Beal would very likely need to be involved in that deal to make the salary cap math work. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
But the very nature of his political coalition looks likely to prevent him from taking a hard-line approach toward China. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025 Consider it a backlash to the backlashes of 2016 and 2020, the very ones that focused on pushing Hollywood to empower more filmmakers who are women and/or people of color. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for very 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
Adverb
  • A bit fusion-like, but focused more on standalone foods that unexpectedly, work extremely well together.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
  • But unfortunately, the ones who did speak up with anything other than enthusiastic support from Mr. Hegseth immediately came under extremely volatile attack from everybody from President Trump down to his MAGA base.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • The 'last really windy day' amid LA wildfires Firefighters are working to get control of two massive wildfires that have decimated the Los Angeles area and caused thousands to evacuate.
    Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
  • That’s largely thanks to its dual rubber roller brushes, which can really dig into the carpet with greater friction to loosen up those hairs and other stubborn debris.
    Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So many libertarians find their way to this same trap, though not Crane.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • For leaders, cultivating this same intentionality can transform your team.
    Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Ecosystem orchestration transcends mere automation, fostering a self-sustaining, innovation-centric environment where the platform evolves as a strategic growth multiplier.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • In a mere century, electricity has changed almost every human activity.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Like Fisher, his real world experiences have informed his attempts to shape ideas.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Pulley’s novel is inspired by real events: In September 1957, an explosion in the Soviet Union spread radioactive material, causing mass evacuations and contamination.
    Vanessa Armstrong, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My top answer is a simple and no-brainer recommendation: Wash your hands with soap and water.
    Amanda Schupak, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers These iconic Stan Smith sneakers offer form and function thanks to their simple design, soft leather material (no blisters here!), and roomy fit.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • The number of highly intelligent species on earth represents an incredibly small percentage compared to the total number of species, Bruce Lieberman, the book’s co-author, and an evolutionary biologist and paleontologist at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, told me via email.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Made with 100% super soft cotton, each extra-large cotton ball is incredibly gentle on the skin.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • The bagel is truly a classic, originating in the 13th century and migrating to the U.S. in the 19th century.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
  • With lush trails, vibrant festivals, and a blend of history and modernity, Montserrat invites travelers to connect with its multifaceted story and experience a truly unique Caribbean escape.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near very

Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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