Definition of identicalnext

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

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 identical But Polymarket uses identical branding for both exchanges. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026 AmaMagdalena came first in April of last year, and now AmaMelodia has followed—nearly identical at three stories, with rooftop sun decks and balconies off each cabin, the only difference is that Magdalena has 30 cabins to Melodia’s 32. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 In many cases, scammers create fake sites that look identical to the real thing. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued identical statements. Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical
Adjective
  • That same year, Polis vetoed a broader bill that sought to implement new regulations for social media companies that Polis felt would infringe on First Amendment and privacy rights.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In that same study, the soleus push-up, non-weight-bearing resistance activities, and stretching exercises were all found to have the potential to significantly improve glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and vascular function in those unable to perform traditional weight-bearing exercise.
    Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Kirsten Kelly-Vargas and her husband, Gary, felt a similar urgency to acquire the proper attire for the occasion.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Paller tried a similar experiment in 2009, this time using sound.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • In comparable territory, The Outsiders keeps things earnest, and even Stranger Things, for all its loopiness, plays its baby-monster antihero story tragic and straight.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The legislation also includes the implementation of a public online database displaying information on DCF’s performance comparable to federal standards and additional mandatory training for DCF employees.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What’s going on there is analogous to what the oil business did in Houston and Dallas.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Indeed, in star-forming regions such as the Trifid, the radiation sculpts the nebulosity in a way that is somewhat analogous to how wind sculpts rocks in the desert.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After a faulty cooling system was left to disrepair, rising temperatures resulted in an explosion with the equivalent force of 70-100 tons of TNT.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Winners of the four elite races (men’s and women’s runners and the equivalent wheelchair athletes) receive $55,000 (£40,800).
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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