equivalent 1 of 2

Definition of equivalentnext
as in counterpart
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value that huge mansion at the end of the street is the equivalent of five ordinary houses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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equivalent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word equivalent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equivalent are equal, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When would equal be a good substitute for equivalent?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivalent, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

Where would identical be a reasonable alternative to equivalent?

Although the words identical and equivalent have much in common, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equivalent?

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 equivalent?

Very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

How is the word equivalent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equivalent are equal, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When would equal be a good substitute for equivalent?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivalent, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

Where would identical be a reasonable alternative to equivalent?

Although the words identical and equivalent have much in common, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equivalent?

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 equivalent?

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 equivalent
Noun
Those participating in the May event will not have to pay booth fees but will instead be charged a percentage of their sales, capped at the booth fee equivalent. News Desk, Artforum, 19 Mar. 2026 In essence, lawmakers raised the state’s rainy day fund to the equivalent of 23% of the general fund, which was up from the previous maximum of 18%, officials said. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The country holds reserves equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption. CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026 While Japan has maintained strategic oil reserves equivalent to more than 254 days of consumption, Tokyo has already begun tapping those reserves to stabilize supply, prices, and public sentiment. Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • Trump has never appreciated multilateral alliances and organizations, preferring their bilateral counterparts instead.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Rethinking anode design During testing, the prototype silicon-graphene anode retained over 98 percent of its capacity after more than 2,000 cycles at a current density of five amperes per gram (A g-1), with negligible decay compared to non-lithiated counterparts.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Fat burning is likely comparable between intermittent fasting and the keto diet, but intermittent fasting may be more sustainable in the long term.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Chalamet previously won the comparable category at the Golden Globes, but Jordan's Actor Awards win signaled a potential repeat victory at the Oscars.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But there's a lower risk of having a reaction because your body recognizes your own blood, and there's no risk of contracting infectious disease from a different donor.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That was a different era, when social media was not a thing.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Merit filed for bankruptcy last July and became embroiled in a thorny legal dispute with a former broadcasting business partner.
    Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Psychologist William Anthony, a pioneer of psychiatric rehabilitation, described the purpose and values of this approach as analogous to physical rehabilitation.
    Adrienne Lapidos, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The situation is roughly analogous to tracking the credit card payments used to pay for a car’s fuel.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Illinois also broke with federal vaccine recommendations on other occasions last year, deciding to continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccines for nearly all newborns and to continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for all children ages 6 to 23 months.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Residents describe the smell as a harsh chemical paint smell, similar to the smell in a nail salon.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The city checks for duplicate names, similar-sounding names, spelling conflicts, and anything that could slow down or confuse an emergency response.
    Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Duncan and substitute right back DJ Taylor gave up the two PKs.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Rubel then made a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee to give lawmakers time to discuss it.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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