Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Exactly the same in every detail; not different in any way: Used to describe two or more things that are completely alike and cannot be distinguished from one another.
   • Being the very same; one and the same: Used to emphasize that a specific thing or person is exactly the one being referred to, not a different one.
   • (Biology) Derived from a single fertilized egg: Specifically used to describe twins (monozygotic twins) who share the same genetic makeup.

Examples of Usage

• Describing exact sameness:
  • The two keys are identical; I can't tell which one is mine.
  • They bought identical dresses for the party.
• Emphasizing the very same thing/person:
  • This is the identical spot where the treaty was signed.
  • He is the identical man I saw at the scene.
• In biology:
  • They are identical twins, so they look very much alike.

Advanced Usage

• "Identical to": Used to state that one thing is exactly the same as another.
  • Your handwriting is almost identical to your father's.
• "Identical with": A more formal equivalent to "identical to".
  • The copy is identical with the original document.

Variants and Related Words

• Identically (adverb): In an identical manner.
  • The twins were dressed identically.
• Identity (noun): The fact of being who or what a person or thing is; sameness.
  • She kept her identity a secret.
• Identification (noun): The action or process of identifying someone or something.
  • A passport is used for identification.

Synonyms

• Same: Exactly like another or each other.
• Indistinguishable: Not able to be identified as different or distinct.
• Alike: Similar to each other.
• Duplicate: Exactly like something else, especially through copying.
• Selfsame: (Formal) The very same.

Antonyms

• Different: Not the same as another or each other.
• Distinct: Recognizably different in nature from something else.
• Dissimilar: Not alike; different.

Common Phrases and Collocations

• Identical twin: One of a pair of twins who develop from a single fertilized egg.
• In identical terms: Expressed in exactly the same words.
• To be identical in every respect: To be the same in all aspects or details.

Adjective

1. coinciding exactly when superimposed
   • identical triangles
2. having properties with uniform values along all axes
3. (of twins) derived from a single egg or ovum
   • identical twins are monovular
4. being the exact same one; not any other:
   • this is the identical room we stayed in before
   • the themes of his stories are one and the same
   • saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
   • on this very spot
   • the very thing he said yesterday
   • the very man I want to see
5. exactly alike; incapable of being perceived as different
   • rows of identical houses
   • cars identical except for their license plates
   • they wore indistinguishable hats