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equal

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noun

equal

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verb

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 of equal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Season 47 of the long-running CBS reality competition show has had a strong start with relatively equal competition, flashy twists and advantages, and memorable characters. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 But opponents say the recent laws go a long way to support equal access to education. Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2024
Noun
Ultimately, the scene depicts Penelope's reclamation of her body and the shedding of her wallflower status, transforming her into an equal to Colin. Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 14 June 2024 But participation isn’t worth much unless people can participate as equals. Binyamin Appelbaum, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
Verb
This gift equals nearly two-thirds of the total annual research budget for pancreatic cancer from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024 He’s successfully executed that strategy, with Inter Miami CF achieving a legendary level of success that equals some of the most famous American sports teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Cowboys, and Bulls. Lindsey Leake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for equal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'equal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near equal

Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on equal

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