very 1 of 2

adverb

ˈver-ē How to pronounce very (audio)
Definition of verynext
1
as in extremely
to a great degree that was a very brave thing to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in really
in actual fact the very same thing happened to me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

very

2 of 2

adjective

1
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
2
as in mere
being this and no more the very thought of having to go through that again is scary

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
4
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
There’s a very different look and feel between the two, with the common thread being challenging Pete Dye designs. —Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 Any connection to plot or characters from that game is unknown, but returning to Vice City in the modern day allows Rockstar to play in a very different sandbox than before. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
Adjective
The attempt to silence is a way of cutting off connection with others, thus cutting off the very possibility of acknowledgment. —Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 That is the very definition, the very definition of politicizing intelligence. —/ Cbs News, CBS News, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for very
Recent Examples of Synonyms for very
  1. extremely
  2. really
  3. same
  4. mere
  5. real
  6. simple
  7. incredibly
  8. truly
Adverb
  • Continuing with her streak of daring silhouettes, the performer took the stage in a black textured jumpsuit with a completely open back that sat extremely low on her hips.
    — Rachel Flynn, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • With extremely long battery life, this is a productivity portable that will get you through an entire day on the go, and the keyboard is a pleasure to use.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
Definition of extremely
Adverb
  • While mom, Linda Flynn-Fletcher, is off handling business, life for the kids really begins to get interesting.
    — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 28 May 2025
  • The Hornets could really use a player who is comfortable playing center or power forward, and hit the outside shot.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
Definition of really
Adjective
  • From the ground level, guests can catch that same elevator to the left of Yoshi’s Adventure to go upstairs.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Put another way, patients’ very lives are in the balance, and patients themselves have been reaching out to us to express this same grave concern.
    — Lynn Godfrey, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of same
Adjective
  • The diffusion rule was more than just a mere export control.
    — Matthew Mittelsteadt, National Review, 26 May 2025
  • The penalty is a mere $200 fine, and members have not been punished for said violations.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
Definition of mere
Adjective
  • All of his links to the real world are frayed or contrived.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
  • Bold handwoven brocade motifs and real silver brocade detailing added charm to her saree.
    — Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of real
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • As artificial intelligence models grow increasingly sophisticated, their capabilities extend far beyond simple task execution.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of simple
Adverb
  • Huang held on, and did so through incredibly difficult stretches that included him fighting to keep his job.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Green tea in particular is incredibly anti-inflammatory.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of incredibly
Adverb
  • Viewers will now have to wonder whether Ellie truly dies (a plausible scenario, given the current body count), and the wait could last up to two years given the previous gap between seasons.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
  • But is tinned fish’s resurgence truly a recession indicator?
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Definition of truly

Browse Nearby Words

verve
very
vespers
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Cite this Entry

“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/very. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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