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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

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 threat from Musk was an equal response to Trump launching efforts to find primary challengers against Tillis and Massie. Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025 The city will then receive annual payments equal to 50% of the project’s rental proceeds, minus expenses, with money deposited in the city’s general fund. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
Why Refusing to Change Diapers Is Just the Beginning Mom is not a partner or his equal in this relationship. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 1 May 2025 Tell them that you’d rather be seen as an equal and someone who’s allowed to make mistakes and grow, just like anyone else. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
The number of grave shafts does not necessarily equal the number of bodies buried there, Stantec says. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 That’s nothing to sneeze at – nearly equaling the value of Macy’s and Wendy’s combined. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • The Global Fund is already working with countries, communities and partners to prepare for rapid, equitable rollout — supporting regulatory readiness, delivery infrastructure and community engagement.
    Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Boise’s team has identified housing structures in the Lusk District, near Boise State, and is trying to find ways to create an equitable billing program for the geothermal system, according to Bre Brush, the mayor’s transportation adviser and a member of the team that worked on the proposal.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The corporate giant acquired Dollar Shave Club (DSC) in 2016 for what seems almost identical reasons—viral marketing that challenged industry giants.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • For example, the pattern carved into the creamy marble sides of the Lounge Bar is identical to that in the intricate iroko wood ceiling.
    Marcia DeSanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Moist soil is important; however, areas where moisture accumulates during the winter are not suitable as this will make the tubers rot.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Each piece has a sturdy coated iron frame that’s rust-resistant and suitable for year-round outdoor exposure, while the chairs are covered in a quick-drying breathable fabric that’s fade- and UV-resistant.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
  • Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response.
    Christopher Fairbank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems matches both When the Sun Goes Down and his Greatest Hits compilation.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • While State Farm cites climate trends and home replacement costs going up, Scarr says only clear oversight will ensure the numbers match reality.
    Catrina Barker, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • That means one of those outfielders is likely to be traded or otherwise off the team in short order.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • The preservation of the wall means the site can, if necessary, be turned back into a fully functioning dock.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • There has yet to be a sufficient conversation focused on how faculty use the tool to enhance their performance that might parallel the ongoing one regarding student use.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In the film, Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells play Dom and Cole, a couple struggling to adopt a daughter, a process that paralleled Craig and Crano’s real life.
    William Earl, Variety, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly seven in 10 Americans doubt that the Supreme Court is impartial when making decisions.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • The co-defendants argued that keeping the trial in Nelson County would impede their rights to a fair and impartial trial because the publicity and news coverage the case has received could lead to a prejudiced jury pool.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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