equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt How to pronounce equate (audio)
ˈē-ˌkwāt
equated; equating
Synonyms of equate

transitive verb

1
a
: to make equal : equalize
b
: to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard or obtain a correct result
2
: to treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable
equates disagreement with disloyalty

intransitive verb

: to correspond as equal

Synonyms of equate

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Examples of equate in a Sentence

You shouldn't equate those two things. a value system that equates money with success
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the realm of the theater, no one exactly equates the number of headshots on a Playbill page with the ultimate fulfillment a stage show provides. — Chris Willman, Variety, 18 July 2026 There is a tendency among active investors to equate activity with edge. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 13 July 2026 Susan Boyer, 72, from Southern California equates supporting Israel with supporting the right of the Jewish people to have a homeland in the Middle East. — Giovanna Dell’orto, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 Artificial intelligence is profoundly challenging how individuals perceive their professional identity, as many mistakenly equate their job title with their core self. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for equate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin aequatus, past participle of aequare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of equate was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing equate

Rhymes for equate

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Browse Nearby Words

equatable
equate
equated date
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Cite this Entry

“Equate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equate. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

equate

verb
i-ˈkwāt How to pronounce equate (audio)
equated; equating
: to make or treat as equal or equivalent

More from Merriam-Webster on equate

Nglish: Translation of equate for Spanish Speakers

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