equivalent 1 of 2

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

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
The Club maintained its hold-equivalent 2 rating, while raising its price target to $1,300 from $1,200. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025 This amount is typically equivalent to one month’s rent. Kendrick Marshall, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
It is priced at INR 2,02,000 (which is the equivalent of roughly US$2,275). New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2025 Anything else should be treated as the equivalent of the God-of-the-gaps argument, and what follows is an explanation as to why. Big Think, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • Meanwhile, big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM and OpenAI have all joined the small-but-mighty club, with models that are a fraction of the size of their bigger counterparts.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • And young leaders are taking a nod from their more experienced counterparts in prioritizing in-person, direct communication.
    Bill Connolly, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The moves come amid explosive global growth, with the brand on track to post a 20 percent revenue increase this year, building on a comparable gain in 2024, said chief executive officer Raul Verdicchi in an interview.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Last quarter, Macy’s reported its best comparable sales performance in 12 quarters.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The research team also revealed that the robots can change their shape and gait to adapt to different terrains or to perform a variety of functions, such as gripping and lifting objects.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This effect is analogous to concentrating sunlight with a magnifying glass to ignite a dry leaf.
    Richard J. Price, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In the end, this game was all too analogous of the year the Tigers endured.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This capability could be invaluable for aerospace maintenance and other precision tasks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Informed conclusion here — Whitworth and Fitzpatrick are going to dunk each other in a vat of Skyline Chili, then scream until the cameras cut out.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The mother of six wore a similar leg-baring look at the 84th Annual Academy Awards — a black Atelier Versace gown with a dramatic slit.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The finished product is similar in flavor to cheese straws, just a little more hearty—and without all the fussing over mixing and piping pastry dough.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Georgia was attending college part time and working as a substitute grade-school teacher.
    Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Last month, Mayor Cavalier Johnson's administration proposed a change to the city's vehicle registration through a substitute ordinance that would see the annual fee jump from $30 to $40.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In turn, Interscope will donate $3 from each vinyl sale to the corresponding university.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Traffic, high-density developments with no corresponding increase in infrastructure like roads, school etc.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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