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very

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adjective

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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

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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
That’s one of the challenges that Gearbox confronted when developing Borderlands 4 (out Sept. 12), a sequel that’s due to arrive in a very different gaming landscape than its predecessor. Jonathan Zavaleta, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2025 Amy went up on the block in her very first week and looked to be a goner before new ally Rachel Reilly whipped the votes to keep her around. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
The very nature of cruising — of transporting large numbers of people to remote and fragile ecosystems — is inherently destructive. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 It’s known for its mission to help people build better lives in the U.S. by matching them with meaningful employment and to strengthen the very industries that keep the American economy running. William Jones, USA Today, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
Adverb
  • It’s coated in a thin layer of real gold – not just to look fancy, but because gold reflects infrared light extremely well.
    Adi Foord, Space.com, 26 July 2025
  • Dreams of taking a reliable census of exoplanetary life in the galaxy may thus inherently be extremely limited.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adverb
  • Each suite has its own floor, but the public spaces are where the hotel really shines.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • For as all-encompassing as the laws of physics are in our daily lives, especially behind the wheel, humankind really has taken them for granted.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Why would growing corn for ethanol and burning it in an engine be any climate-friendlier than growing that same corn for food and burning an equivalent amount of gasoline in an engine?
    Michael Grunwald July 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
  • That same year, Gladys married her second husband, Jacques Balsan.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The intrepid agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service first met each other mere episodes prior but had already embarked on a love affair for the ages.
    Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 25 July 2025
  • Prices for wine consumed at home rose a mere 0.9% over that span.
    Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Explore the challenges of bringing Stitch into the real world, how the familiar images of the original were recreated, and join returning cast members on a set that embodies ‘ohana.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • This straightforward mental technique might give future retirees a measurable edge with real financial impact.
    Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • This involves flexible decision making beyond simple automation.
    Ian Gotts, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adverb
  • Sour Strawberry Candy Belts These sour straws are almost too chewy, but incredibly satisfying.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 July 2025
  • This particular trick works incredibly well for window and standing air conditioners, since their output is already focused in a single area of the home.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Adverb
  • The park also boasts Emerald Lake, truly a gem with its luscious mint sparkle.
    Jenny Wisniewski, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Our unique range of technological assets, including AI, can be powerful instruments for good, if guided by a truly human and humane mindset.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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