EQUAL Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'equal' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equal are equivalent , identical , same , selfsame , and very . While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality. // equal shares in the business

Q: When might 'equivalent' be a better fit than 'equal'?

In some situations, the words equivalent and equal are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance. // two houses equivalent in market value

Q: When is 'identical' a more appropriate choice than 'equal'?

The synonyms identical and equal are sometimes interchangeable, but identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details. // identical results

Q: How are the words 'same' and 'selfsame' related as synonyms of 'equal'?

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

Q: How does the word 'very' relate to other synonyms for 'equal'?

Very , like selfsame , may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind. // the very point I was trying to make

equal 1 of 3

adjective

ˈē-kwəl

Definition of equal next

as in equitable

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias the basic belief that everyone is entitled to equal opportunity in employment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in identical

resembling another in every respect as far as I can see, except for the high price, the store-brand jacket is equal to the jacket with the designer label

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in suitable

having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance looking for someone equal to the challenge of running a large state university

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in composed

free from emotional or mental agitation he proceeded, in an equal tone, to recount the terrible events of the day

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

equal

2 of 3

noun

as in equivalent

one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value a basketball player who truly has no equal in his sport

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equal

3 of 3

verb

as in to match

to produce something equal to (as in quality or value) no one has equaled Shakespeare's plays

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as in to mean

to be the same in meaning or effect being confined to home for a whole weekend would equal a death sentence in the minds of a lot of teens

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to parallel

to be the exact counterpart of in the British system a public school equals an American prep school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of equal are equivalent, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When might equivalent be a better fit than equal?

In some situations, the words equivalent and equal are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When is identical a more appropriate choice than equal?

The synonyms identical and equal are sometimes interchangeable, but identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equal?

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

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

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

the very point I was trying to make

Examples 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 equal

Adjective

Those 15 guys are forcing turnover after turnover while breaking opponents’ offenses and wills in equal measure this season. —

John Hollinger, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 The suit claims that the district’s policies unfairly restrict the girls’ freedom of expression and deny them fair and equal access to athletic opportunities. —

Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Noun

Welcoming anyone to vote for him is a far cry from welcoming them to be equals. —

Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 Moving forward Garten and Jeffrey worked to be equals who heard and supported each other. —

Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024

Verb

For someone weighing 150 pounds, this equals 1,705 mg of magnesium L-threonate. —

Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025 The thought of watching Jackson at his most talented and most motivated equals entertaining TV. —

Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for equal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal

Adjective

Pay Transparency Laws Pay transparency laws require employers to disclose salary ranges and, in some cases, benefits to create equitable pay practices.

— Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Toward Environmental Justice: Key Concepts Environmental justice results from the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and harms through the restructuring of systems of oppression.

— JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 8 Jan. 2025