Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of identical are equal, equivalent, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

In what contexts can equal take the place of identical?

In some situations, the words equal and identical are roughly equivalent. However, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When is equivalent a more appropriate choice than identical?

The synonyms equivalent and identical are sometimes interchangeable, but equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

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

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

How does the word very relate to other synonyms for identical?

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Recent Examples of identical One reason for our collective frustration is that government programs still mimic the outdated assembly line, which uses identical parts (inflexible regulations) to mass produce an identical product (a social outcome). Libby Schaaf, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025 In terms of form and function, the Even Realities G1 glasses appear on paper to be more or less identical to the Rokid Glasses and the RayNeo X3. Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025 Fill them with identical plants for a classic, stately look. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 On the Cinerama-sized screen (Imax will be jealous) stretching the entire length of the stage are three separate identical visions of whoever has the microphone, presenter and recipient. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for identical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • So many libertarians find their way to this same trap, though not Crane.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • That coach is still in there, carrying all those same beliefs, but perhaps not in the same form.
    Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While its thousands of mini LED clusters can't provide the same contrast as MicroLED’s millions of lights, its similar potency provides the same striking brightness alongside remarkable color accuracy.
    Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2025
  • In Southern California, a similar situation could hurt not only the rebuilding efforts but also preparations for the 2028 Olympics.
    Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Greenland's area is more comparable to that of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is still slightly larger.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Obviously, Rooker is not in the same class as Judge and Soto here, but is comparable to Stanton and O’Neill - both had slightly higher K rates, and his BB rate slotted in neatly between O’Neill (11.3%) and Stanton (8.2%).
    Tony Blengino, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The table lamp adds an analogous touch by pairing colors that are next to each other on the color wheel: yellow and orange.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Top 10 Center Fielders There is no other MLB team in the Toronto media market, so Guerrero's situation will not be perfectly analogous to the precedents set by Soto and Ohtani.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The album moved a little less than 13,700 equivalent units in the past tracking period across the country.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • From Zero debuted at No. 1 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart dated Nov. 30, 2024, and has earned 266,000 equivalent album units to date.
    Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near identical

Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on identical

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