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 Toward Environmental Justice: Key Concepts Aissa Dearing July 14, 2023 Environmental justice results from the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and harms through the restructuring of systems of oppression. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025 Several policy routes can be taken to create a more equitable transition for these workers, such as funding early retirement programs for fossil fuel workers who lose their jobs or heavily investing in fossil fuel communities where there is potential for creating renewable energy hubs. Umair Irfan, Vox, 21 Apr. 2025 But the parity offered by the Premier League is one of the reasons the league is so popular, and that equitable split is why investors have been keener to invest in English clubs than abroad. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 The report underscores the urgent need for changes ensuring all women receive safe and equitable care during pregnancy and childbirth. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • When discussing the current war, Finkel shifts from impartial historian to passionate accuser, condemning Putin’s aggression as an act of genocide.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The government counters that the independence requirement means the task force is supposed to make recommendations based on their impartial medical and public-health judgments.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to the genius of Lamine Yamal, however, Flick’s men swiftly pulled one back and were equal by half time through Ferran Torres.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Another thing to note is that not all glass shower doors are created equal.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The device also shouldn’t be used for people with objective tinnitus, which originates from the ear canal as opposed to the brain.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • However, this does not influence his objective coverage.
    Dave Altavilla, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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