Identical vs. Similar — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Identical means exactly the same in every way. Similar means resembling but not identical. They describe how alike things are, with "identical" being an exact match and "similar" being a close resemblance.
Difference Between Identical and Similar
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Key Differences
Identical refers to things that are exactly the same in every detail or aspect. When two things are identical, there's no distinction between them. For example, identical twins have the same genetic makeup. On the other hand, similar suggests that two things are alike in certain aspects but not in all. There may be differences, but there's a noticeable resemblance.
Identical implies an absolute match, where the subjects in comparison share all the characteristics, making them indistinguishable. Two products manufactured using the same mold are identical. Conversely, similar provides a relative comparison. Two products might look alike, be of the same color, or function similarly, but they're not identical.
In a more abstract sense, when opinions or feelings are identical, they align perfectly without any discrepancies. However, when opinions or feelings are similar, they might align in a general sense but differ in some specifics.
For example, in mathematics, if two shapes are identical, they match in size, shape, and every dimension. But if they are only similar, they might share the same shape but differ in size.
In linguistics, when we say two words are identical, it means they are the same in spelling and meaning. Yet, when two words are similar, they might sound alike or have related meanings, but they aren't the same word.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Exactly the same in every detail
Resembling but not exactly the same
Degree of Likeness
Absolute match
Close resemblance
Nuance in Use
Absolute, no discrepancies
Relative, may have discrepancies
Application in Math
Shapes match in every dimension
Shapes might only match in form
Linguistic Usage
Same word in spelling and meaning
Words sound alike or have related meanings
Compare with Definitions
Identical
Matching or alike in every way.
The results of both experiments were identical.
Similar
Having certain qualities in common.
The themes in their poetry are similar.
Identical
Being the same; selfsame.
It's the identical item I saw in the store yesterday.
Similar
Alike in nature or characteristics.
Their tastes are quite similar.
Identical
Having no differences or variations.
The twins have identical personalities.
Similar
Nearly the same without being exactly so.
The siblings have similar facial features.
Identical
Exactly equal and alike.
Their scores were identical.
Similar
Resembling in many aspects.
The plots of the two movies are eerily similar.
Identical
Being exactly the same in every detail.
The two dresses are identical in design.
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical
Northern India and similar areas
A soft cheese similar to Brie
Identical
Being the same
Another orator who used the senator's identical words.
Similar
A person or thing similar to another
He was one of those whose similar you never meet
Identical
Exactly equal and alike
Your car is identical to mine. Are the fingerprints at the crime scene identical with those of the accused?.
Similar
A substance that produces effects resembling the symptoms of particular diseases (the basis of homeopathic treatment)
The principle of treatment by similars
Identical
(Biology) Of or relating to a twin or twins developed from the same fertilized ovum and having the same genetic makeup and closely similar appearance; monozygotic.
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance or nature; alike though not identical.
Identical
(not comparable) Bearing full likeness by having precisely the same set of characteristics; indistinguishable.
Similar
(Mathematics) Having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional. Used of geometric figures
Similar triangles.
Identical
(not comparable) Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; numerically identical.
Similar
Having traits or characteristics in common; alike, comparable.
My new car is similar to my old one, except it has a bit more space in the back.
Identical
Of twins, sharing the same genetic code.
Similar
(mathematics) Of geometrical figures including triangles, squares, ellipses, arcs and more complex figures, having the same shape but possibly different size, rotational orientation, and position; in particular, having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional; such that one can be had from the other using a sequence of rotations, translations and scalings.
Identical
Exactly equivalent.
Similar
Of two square matrices; being such that a conjugation sends one matrix to the other.
Identical
Approximating or approaching exact equivalence.
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Identical
Something which has exactly the same properties as something else.
Similar
(homeopathy) A material that produces an effect that resembles the symptoms of a particular disease.
Identical
An identical twin.
Similar
Exactly corresponding; resembling in all respects; precisely like.
Identical
The same; the selfsame; the very same; not different; as, the identical person or thing.
I can not remember a thing that happened a year ago, without a conviction . . . that I, the same identical person who now remember that event, did then exist.
Similar
Nearly corresponding; resembling in many respects; somewhat like; having a general likeness.
Identical
Uttering sameness or the same truth; expressing in the predicate what is given, or obviously implied, in the subject; tautological.
When you say body is solid, I say that you make an identical proposition, because it is impossible to have the idea of body without that of solidity.
Similar
Homogenous; uniform.
Identical
Exactly alike; incapable of being perceived as different;
Rows of identical houses
Cars identical except for their license plates
They wore indistinguishable hats
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Identical
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
Similar
Marked by correspondence or resemblance;
Similar food at similar prices
Problems similar to mine
They wore similar coats
Identical
(of twins) derived from a single egg or ovum;
Identical twins are monovular
Similar
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Identical
Having properties with uniform values along all axes
Similar
Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;
Suits of like design
A limited circle of like minds
Members of the cat family have like dispositions
As like as two peas in a pod
Doglike devotion
A dreamlike quality
Identical
Coinciding exactly when superimposed;
Identical triangles
Similar
(of words) expressing closely related meanings
Similar
Capable of replacing or changing places with something else;
Interchangeable parts
Similar
Having a likeness or resemblance.
The two paintings are similar in color scheme.
Common Curiosities
Can identical be used to describe feelings or opinions?
Yes, identical can describe opinions or feelings that align perfectly.
Is identical absolute or relative?
Identical is absolute, indicating an exact match.
What does identical mean?
Identical means being exactly the same in every detail.
What's a synonym for identical?
A synonym for identical is "identical."
Can two things be very similar?
Yes, degrees of similarity can vary, so things can be very similar or somewhat similar.
What's an antonym for similar?
An antonym for similar is "dissimilar" or "different."
Is similar an absolute term?
No, similar is relative, indicating a degree of resemblance.
If two things look alike, are they identical?
Not necessarily. Looking alike means they are similar in appearance, but they may differ in other aspects.
Can two things be partially identical?
No, identical implies a complete match; there's no "partially identical."
Can two identical things also be described as similar?
Yes, if two things are identical, they are inherently similar, but not all similar things are identical.
Can similar be used in a comparative sense?
Yes, you can say one thing is more similar to another, indicating varying degrees of likeness.
What does similar mean?
Similar means having a likeness or resemblance without being exactly the same.
Do identical and similar always pertain to physical appearance?
No, they can describe abstract concepts, feelings, opinions, and more.
In math, are identical shapes also similar?
Yes, identical shapes are a subset of similar shapes, but similar shapes are not always identical.
Are identical twins completely alike?
They are genetically identical but can have differences in personality, experiences, and choices.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
