VERY Synonyms: 352 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

very 1 of 2

adverb

ˈver-ē

Definition of very next

as in extremely

to a great degree that was a very brave thing to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in really

in actual fact the very same thing happened to me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

very

2 of 2

adjective

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

as in mere

being this and no more the very thought of having to go through that again is scary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Since going viral, Popp said, the bakery’s been unable to keep anything on the shelves for very long. —

Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Jan. 2025 The result is a very appealing rye that retains the Jack Daniel’s character, but has become something truly unique and delicious. —

Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Shortly after fans woke up to find billboards in New York City displaying a black-and-white photo of the star with her new album’s title and release date written in red toward the bottom, Gaga formally announced on Instagram that her new project is arriving at the very end of winter. —

Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025 The public health crusade against smoking has not just pushed cigarettes outdoors, but also cast a pall (not that one) on the very notion of smoking them. —

Jack Butler, National Review, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for very

Recent Examples of Synonyms for very

Adverb

The police chief also told the outlets that the house was extremely dirty, telling WTAE that dog and rodent feces were building up on the floor and that the family members might be suffering from a hoarding disorder.

— Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Under normal storm conditions, the risk to trees is extremely low.

— The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025