identical
Americanadjective
-
Also called: numerically identical. being one and the same individual
Cicero and Tully are identical
-
Also called: quantitatively identical. exactly alike, equal, or agreeing
-
designating either or both of a pair of twins of the same sex who developed from a single fertilized ovum that split into two Compare fraternal
Other Word Forms
- identically adverb
- identicalness noun
- nonidentical adjective
- pseudoidentical adjective
- quasi-identical adjective
- quasi-identically adverb
- unidentical adjective
- unidentically adverb
Etymology
Origin of identical
First recorded in 1610–20; from Medieval Latin identic(us) identic + -al 1
Compare meaning
How does identical compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Ivorians and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon came into their last Group F matches with identical records, leaving open the possibility that a drawing of lots would be required to determine their final positions.
From Barron's
Another goal at that point could have left DR Congo and Senegal with identical records and facing a possible drawing of lots to determine their final group positions.
From Barron's
It looked at one point as though Senegal and DR Congo might end the group stage with identical records, leaving open the possibility of a drawing of lots to decide their final positions.
From Barron's
The five identical sisters, born in Ontario at the height of the Great Depression in 1934, were the first known quintuplets to survive past infancy.
From BBC
Still, as with any medical intervention, reactions are not identical for everyone.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.