very 1 of 2

adverb

ˈver-ē How to pronounce very (audio)
Definition of verynext
1
as in extremely
to a great degree that was a very brave thing to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in really
in actual fact the very same thing happened to me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

very

2 of 2

adjective

1
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
2
as in mere
being this and no more the very thought of having to go through that again is scary

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in real
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility tourism is the very lifeblood of this community—the town would surely die without it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in simple
having no exceptions or restrictions the very nerve of that woman—telling me how to raise my own children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 very
Adverb
Heat illness already frequently harms outdoor workers with very little protection in place for their safety. —Georgia Christakis, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025 Fluke is a very tender fish with a lot of sweetness. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The enterprises that will continue gaining value from enterprise AI will only be those that implement security guardrails from the very beginning. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The woman has almost completely repressed them, revisiting them only at the very end of her life. —Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
  1. extremely
  2. really
  3. same
  4. mere
  5. real
  6. simple
  7. incredibly
  8. truly
Adverb
  • Some 53% of consumers said quality was extremely important when choosing between one product over another, compared with 48% who prioritize price.
    — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • For one, these tiny particles are extremely difficult to measure.
    — Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of extremely
Adverb
  • Part of the invitation design, and part of the idea of curating your event, also includes really fun attire recommendations.
    — Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Our crew was really amazing, and the cast was wonderful to work with.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of really
Adjective
  • That same day, Justin also shared a preview of some shoes from the new brand.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That same week, Diamond said, her grandmother, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, was placed in a nursing home.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of same
Adjective
  • The market doesn't much care about the motivations — the mere fact that the conversations are happening at all is causing stocks to surge after days of uncertainty and mounting recession fears.
    — Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Leaders who appreciate the worth of their team and respect others will gain far more than mere obedience.
    — Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of mere
Adjective
  • Following Hailey’s response to the content creator, fans praised the Rhode founder for giving real, relatable feedback.
    — Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Two days later, a real icon in James L. Brooks took the Colosseum stage to agree with him.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of real
Adjective
  • That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.
    — Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Mistyping social security numbers is one of the simplest, yet most significant mistakes people make on their returns, according to TurboTax CPA and tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis.
    — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of simple
Adverb
  • The glasses themselves are incredibly durable and high quality.
    — Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Overwatch has an incredibly dedicated competitive fanbase who regularly debate about who the best characters are gameplay or story-wise.
    — Ryan Easby, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of incredibly
Adverb
  • Use your brew time to truly take a break from the screen and enjoy your beverage.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • But has the Red Sox superstar truly changed his tune?
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of truly

Browse Nearby Words

verve
very
vespers
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Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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