IDENTICAL Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

identical

adjective

ī-ˈden-ti-kəl

Definition of identical

as in same

being one and not another both families wanted the identical puppy and weren't accepting the argument that its littermates were just as good

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in similar

resembling another in every respect identical dresses whose only difference is a designer label that fetches a high price

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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 Launched in 2021, IXPE carries three identical telescopes designed to measure the polarization of high-energy X-rays. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 The content remained identical, but attendance immediately became more engaged because employees could no longer operate on autopilot. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 The mission carried two identical torsos, nicknamed Helga and Zohar, adapted from radiotherapy dosimetry phantoms already used in cancer treatment planning. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026 For starters, this special trim is mechanically identical to the $19,999 standard model, which launched earlier this year. — New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for identical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical

Adjective

His distribution was decent, too, completing eight progressive passes per game, placing him 11th among that same group.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
That same month, AQMD ordered the company to craft a mitigation plan after residents submitted 900 complaints within a week.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of same

Adjective

Target is emerging from more than a year of weak or declining comparable sales.

— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Putting all those aspects together, the country most comparable to Russia, both historically and in the contemporary moment, is not Turkey or Iran but the United States.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of comparable

Adjective

For Russia and Ukraine, the analogous deadlock concerns control over the Donbas.

— Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
Notably, an analogous gene swap had previously been shown to be nonviable when introduced into ΦX174 through conventional genetic engineering.

— Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of analogous

Adjective

State energy officials say modestly higher upfront tire costs — about $26 more per set — will be outweighed by fuel savings, cutting drivers’ expenses and emissions equivalent to 400,000 cars annually.

— Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Accepted sources include government or corporate pension plans, or Social Security payments of at least 1,000 Panamanian balboa (directly equivalent to $1,000, according to Panama’s public security ministry).

— Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of equivalent

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idées fixes

identical

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“Identical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/identical. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of identical

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