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 However, some expressed concerns about the precedent set by the city and providing equitable treatment for businesses already open in Lebanon and others who will open. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Regional digital equity research: a joint effort with Travis County to assess digital resource needs and inform equitable tech policies in Central Texas. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The study contributes to a broader conversation about equitable parenting and suggests the structural and societal changes that may be needed to achieve this goal. New Atlas, 2 July 2025 Ohio is an equitable distribution state, meaning assets will be divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. Amy Wagner, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
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
Adjective
  • Some companies are replacing underwater stock options with new option grants or RSUs that have intrinsic value equal to or exceeding their original grants.
    Julia Dhar, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • How To Clean Stovetop Grates With Vinegar Fill a pan or sink with equal parts warm water and vinegar.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Moderna set its objective high — achieve 100% adoption and proficiency of generative AI by all its people with access to digital solutions in a six-month period.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • But the vast majority of the press corps sees its role as providing objective reporting.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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