- be the same in essentials while differing in minor points; a general resemblance with small [minor] differences; be alike in all important essentials, the differences being of a minor nature; be largely identical with only minor differences; differ only in [on] small points; essentially the same though differing on minor points; For the most part they are the same.; identical on major issues though with minor differences; mostly alike except (for) slight differences; much about the same; much of a muchness; very much the same; virtually the same: