EQUITABLE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'equitable' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of equitable are dispassionate , fair , impartial , just , objective , and unbiased . While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned. // the equitable distribution of the property

Q: Where would 'dispassionate' be a reasonable alternative to 'equitable'?

The synonyms dispassionate and equitable are sometimes interchangeable, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment. // a dispassionate summation of the facts

Q: When might 'fair' be a better fit than 'equitable'?

While the synonyms fair and equitable are close in meaning, fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests. // a fair decision

Q: When is it sensible to use 'impartial' instead of 'equitable'?

While in some cases nearly identical to equitable , impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice. // an impartial third party

Q: In what contexts can 'just' take the place of 'equitable'?

In some situations, the words just and equitable are roughly equivalent. However, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper. // a just settlement of territorial claims

Q: When would 'objective' be a good substitute for 'equitable'?

The words objective and equitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings. // I can't be objective about my own child

Q: When can 'unbiased' be used instead of 'equitable'?

Although the words unbiased and equitable have much in common, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice. // your unbiased opinion

equitable

adjective

ˈe-kwə-tə-bəl

Definition of equitable next

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias the will calls for an equitable distribution of the father's assets among his four children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective equitable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of equitable are dispassionate, fair, impartial, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

Where would dispassionate be a reasonable alternative to equitable?

The synonyms dispassionate and equitable are sometimes interchangeable, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

When might fair be a better fit than equitable?

While the synonyms fair and equitable are close in meaning, fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is it sensible to use impartial instead of equitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to equitable, impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

In what contexts can just take the place of equitable?

In some situations, the words just and equitable are roughly equivalent. However, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

When would objective be a good substitute for equitable?

The words objective and equitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When can unbiased be used instead of equitable?

Although the words unbiased and equitable have much in common, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

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 equitable Policymakers and insurers: Fund it, integrate it, and hold systems accountable for equitable access. —

Essence, 18 July 2025 These are basic steps for any city committed to equitable access to public space. —

Stefan Boyland, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025 These creators demonstrated how social media engagement is work – and that workers have the power to demand equitable conditions and fair pay. —

Aarushi Bhandari, The Conversation, 14 July 2025 Supported by strong local, state, and federal commitments, the project prioritizes equitable access, including affordable housing, quality transit, and inclusive neighborhoods, while connecting South Bay residents to millions of jobs and generating 75,000 diverse job opportunities. —

Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable

Adjective

Restructuring sounds proactive; business optimization sounds strategic; and a focus on cost structures feels impartial.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 20 July 2025
While representing a 26-year-old Shoshone County woman accused in 2014 of suffocating her boyfriend’s 22-month-old child, Taylor succeeded in getting the trial moved to Kootenai County out of concern of seating an impartial jury.

— Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2025

Definition of impartial

Cite this Entry

Style

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 26 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of equitable

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

doppelgänger

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of equitable

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

doppelgänger

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Games & Quizzes