selfsame

adjective

ˈself-ˌsām How to pronounce selfsame (audio)
Definition of selfsamenext
as in same
being one and not another that's the selfsame man who once helped me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word selfsame different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of selfsame are equal, equivalent, identical, same, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," 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

Where would equal be a reasonable alternative to selfsame?

The words equal and selfsame are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

In what contexts can equivalent take the place of selfsame?

Although the words equivalent and selfsame have much in common, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When is it sensible to use identical instead of selfsame?

While the synonyms identical and selfsame are close in meaning, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How does the word very relate to other synonyms for selfsame?

Very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selfsame
same
Adjective
  • Proposition 50 would lock that same culture into our election maps, giving politicians the power to protect themselves and their allies instead of voters.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • His days as a starting pitcher are gone — save for a unique scenario Wednesday, when he’ll be called into action — but that same modicum of joy remains.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of same
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.

Browse Nearby Words

self-sacrificing
selfsame
selfsameness
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Cite this Entry

“Selfsame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selfsame. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of selfsame for Spanish Speakers

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