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 Researchers should work to reform the AI industry to be more ethical, equitable, and trustworthy. Bruce Schneier, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2025 In a statement to Newsweek, WMCHealth said the integration efforts focused on creating a more connected, efficient and equitable system of care across the Hudson Valley. Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Our children deserve equitable access to educational resources. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote that the next mayor can lobby at the state level for more equitable funding for public schools. Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • China won’t fund projects promoting gender equity, affirmative action, training impartial judges, or improvements on regulatory performance in African nations as these are not things that its government values at home.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Our reviews are impartial and our opinions are our own.
    Joe Salas October 29, New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bibby is equal parts intense and relaxed in practices.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The outing—which, according to local reports, appeared to be equal parts publicity stunt, cultural gesture, and celebration of potential new AI partnerships—drew throngs of spectators with flashing cameras, and sent South Korean fried-chicken stocks soaring.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That same day, the moon will reach its first-quarter phase in Aquarius, reminding us to remain objective amidst the swirling intensity brought on by the sun’s journey through Scorpio.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The role of the traditional dining critic is to present authentic, objective restaurant experiences to the public.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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