"identical to" vs "identical with"

Question

"identical to" vs "identical with"

Both "identical with" and "identical to" are commonly used in English, but "identical to" is more widely accepted and preferred. Both phrases convey the same meaning, but "identical to" is considered more standard and idiomatic.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that two things are exactly the same or very similar.

Examples:

The suspect's fingerprints were identical to those found at the crime scene.
Her dress was identical to the one she wore last week.

Alternatives:

identical with

This phrase is used to indicate that two things are exactly the same or very similar.

Examples:

The suspect's fingerprints were identical with those found at the crime scene.
Her dress was identical with the one she wore last week.

Alternatives:

identical to

Answer 1

identical to

This phrase is more widely accepted and preferred in English.

Answer 2

identical with

This phrase is less common but still used in English.

"identical to" vs "identical with"

identical to

identical with

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