equal 1 of 3

adjective

ˈē-kwəl How to pronounce equal (audio)
Definition of equalnext
1
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
2
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
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in composed
free from emotional or mental agitation he proceeded, in an equal tone, to recount the terrible events of the day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

equal

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to match
to produce something equal to (as in quality or value) no one has equaled Shakespeare's plays

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
3
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

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 equal
Adjective
The cleared area in front of the slide should extend a distance equal to the height of the slide platform. —Dr. Julie Gilchrist, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025 Amid all the changes, Americans are feeling increasingly pessimistic about gains in racial justice, if any, since 2020 and the possibility that Black Americans will ever have equal rights, according to Kiana Cox, a senior researcher at Pew Research Center. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Noun
Tribal leaders have long labored to be treated as equals by American politicians. —Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 That’s a nonconsensual, unequal form of interdependence, and the goal was a world where partners can meet as equals. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
But in China, India, and Vietnam, use of the energy source has surged during the same period with growth rates equaling 6.9%, 9.9%, and 25% respectively. —Michael Franco may 16, New Atlas, 16 May 2025 The math is simple—as more Americans get back to work, higher employment equals higher payroll tax receipts which Medicare and Social Security depend on. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
  1. equitable
  2. identical
  3. suitable
  4. composed
  5. match
  6. mean
  7. parallel
  8. impartial
Adjective
  • These days — at least on Friday nights — the space offers musicians an equitable spotlight.
    — Erick Galindo, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • The result is a more agile, inclusive and resilient workforce where employees have equitable access to growth.
    — Abakar Saidov, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • While the top-spec Ultra model features a carbon-fiber frame and front suspension, the Track Edition has a visually identical frame made of 6061 aluminum and is a pure hardtail with no suspension.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • That said, Target has a nearly identical bag, shape and all.
    — Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 29 May 2025
Definition of identical
Adjective
  • Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders.
    — Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • Prince Harry arrived at the Court of Appeal about an hour ahead of the hearing, appearing calm and composed.
    — Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Mexican side looked more composed in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities, especially after Sarah Luebbert (former Chicago Red Stars and University of Missouri standout) came on as a substitute and threatened Gotham’s defense.
    — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of composed
Verb
  • That matches Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar as the fastest active defenseman to that mark.
    — Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • The singer donned a completely sheer Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown to promote her new record on Wednesday, June 4, at Rockefeller Center in New York City, accentuating her chic look with matching black underwear and no bra in a risqué, NSFW Instagram post.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Definition of match
Verb
  • Although research has shown that wet hair stretches more than dry hair before breaking, Erdogan clarified that this doesn’t mean the hair is more flexible and resilient.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
  • That means Miami’s bullpen has had to cover just two innings, thanks in large part to Hugus.
    — Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 1 June 2025
Definition of mean
Verb
  • The Times spoke with Chang and Tuchman about the real world parallels and bringing the series to its conclusion with Miller, who wrote the finale.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Biden's battle with cancer parallels former president Richard Nixon's near-fatal bout of phlebitis just after his August 9, 1974, resignation over the Watergate scandal.
    — Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Definition of parallel
Adjective
  • While Congress sets the CBO’s priorities, the group prides itself on being objective, impartial, and nonpartisan.
    — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Her expertise lies in building boards with the right balance of domain expertise and impartial oversight, ensuring alignment between governance and investor confidence.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Definition of impartial

Browse Nearby Words

equable
equal
equaled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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