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 next

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

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Main camera shots at 12MP are nearly identical to those from the Ultra. —

PCMAG, 3 Feb. 2025 Another important note: Kahnle has held right-handed and left-handed batters to nearly identical platoon splits over his career. —

Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025 Males and females of this species look identical and behave very similarly. —

Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Their approaches were virtually identical but with different numbers. —

Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for identical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for identical

Adjective

Well these capture that same whimsical, fun, retro vibe.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Customers were ‘like family’ CT business closes after 68 years, more than 50 with same owner.

— Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2025