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
Both phones share equivalent video cameras. PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 The gap between both projections is roughly equivalent to the emissions from California, Florida, and Michigan combined in 2024. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The $349 Security Starter system comes with a base unit (ADT's equivalent of a hub), three door/window sensors, a motion sensor, and assorted yard signs and stickers. John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025 In all, the market is pricing in the equivalent of six quarter-percentage-point cuts during the period, well ahead of the four that Fed officials penciled in during their last outlook published in June. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer reports that jobs requiring AI skills pay an average of 56% more than their non-AI counterparts, and that the skill sets demanded in these roles are evolving 66% faster than in traditional jobs.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • To break those down, The Athletic convened the following discussion between Dodgers beat writer Fabian Ardaya and his Padres counterpart, Dennis Lin.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By reducing time spent at charging stations, the technology aims to make the EV ownership experience more comparable to refueling a conventional vehicle.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants are actively seeking to reduce their reliance on international suppliers, but domestic alternatives aren't always available or comparable.
    Phil Lempert, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These gains appeared across different growing conditions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • That's because nudity can take on drastically different meanings.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By way of comparison, Fox averaged a little north of 13 million viewers with its analogous Week 1 window a year ago.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • With analog simulators, physicists map a quantum system of interest onto an analogous system — one that obeys equations of the same form but is easier to configure and observe in a lab.
    Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In order to embolden and support his organization, bin Laden often videotaped himself with messages aimed at his target audience, established training centers in Afghanistan, had an expansive funding network that included wealthy individuals, couriers, mosques and other complex ways to raise funds.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Kirk’s path to national prominence was unlike that of other MAGA icons.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Richardson finished third in the semi-final; however, her time was fast enough to award her a non-automatic qualifying spot in the final, similar to what happened with her in Budapest.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • On tables set up in the plaza were candies from Mexico, as well as flags, small hats and boards for Loteria, a game similar to bingo.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On a whim, the 30-year-old applied for several school positions — from cafeteria worker to custodian — including one for a substitute bus driver, despite having zero experience behind the wheel of a bus.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The 30-year-old has gone from being fourth-choice goalkeeper at Wolves, making one substitute appearance in his two seasons at Molineux, to third-choice at Everton.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The film is the first in a trilogy intended to conclude the corresponding anime television series, and has received positive ratings from 97% from critics and 98% audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The Gophers’ strong nonconference schedule and corresponding ho-hum home slate might have something to do with a dip in season tickets sold.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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