equipped; equipping
Synonyms of equip

transitive verb

1
: to furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioning
equip an army
2
3
: to make ready : prepare
wasn't equipped to handle the pressures of the job

equip

2 of 2

abbreviation

Choose the Right Synonym for equip

furnish, equip, outfit, appoint, accoutre mean to supply one with what is needed.

furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function.

a sparsely furnished apartment

equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use.

a fully equipped kitchen

outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation.

outfitted the family for a ski trip

appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings.

a lavishly appointed apartment

accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity.

fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

Examples of equip in a Sentence

Verb More money was needed to train and equip the troops. Equipped with a hoe and a shovel, I headed for the garden. Her training has equipped her to deal with emergencies. She is well-equipped to deal with emergencies. Those students are not equipped for the challenges of college.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
For Aurora, the ability to manufacture and equip trucks at scale could be as important as the performance of its self-driving system itself. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 In May the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced a bill that would require NHTSA to issue a rule mandating readily accessible mechanical interior door releases in cars equipped with electronic latches. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 July 2026 When junior officers can decide how to equip their men, keeping everything in sync across the battlefield becomes more difficult. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 Multiple reception rooms include a formal dining room with seating for 16 guests, while two studies are for more intimate gatherings and the Smallbone kitchen, equipped with Miele appliances, opens to a morning room with French doors to the gardens. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for equip

Word History

Etymology

Verb

modification of Anglo-French eskiper, eschiper to load on board a ship, embark, outfit, man, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English scipian equip a ship, scip ship

First Known Use

Verb

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of equip was in 1523

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

equip

verb
i-ˈkwip
equipped; equipping
1
: to provide with the necessary materials or supplies for service or action
2
: to make ready : prepare

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