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
Adjective
When Perry was found dead in his pool, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said the amount of ketamine found in his body was equivalent to the amount used in general anesthesia. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 17 June 2025 Chronic poor sleep is equivalent to moderate intoxication levels, decreasing leaders’ ability to think, respond and act at their best. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 One study by Scientists for Global Responsibility found that the carbon emissions from the FIFA World Cup alone is equivalent to that of between 31,500 and 51,500 cars driving for one year. Simmone Shah, Time, 10 June 2025 For example, Georgia's Republican Attorney General Chris Carr doesn't think the law restricts the options in Smith's care, so removing her from life support wouldn't be equivalent to aborting the fetus. Jess Mador, NPR, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • Liverpool have been in regular dialogue with their German counterparts this summer having signed Florian Wirtz, who officially joined the Premier League champions on Friday, and after triggering the release clause of full-back Jeremie Frimpong, whose arrival was announced last month.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • This means that some particles will decay in the normal world while their counterparts in the mirror would not.
    Zack Savitsky, Wired News, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, this valuation is roughly comparable to that of its competitor SoFi, which was profitable last year and has demonstrated a quicker customer growth rate.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Must-read: The FT has a lengthy feature on how climate change is causing a systemic crisis in the property insurance business on a scale comparable to the 2008 financial crisis.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Alaa’s family, campaigners, and parliamentarians are urging the UK government to take more concrete and decisive action—to deploy new and different tools, including amending FCDO travel advice for Egypt and considering sanctions on those responsible for Alaa’s unlawful incarceration.
    Margaret Busby June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • New research—focusing on books rather than newspaper articles and on different companies—provides surprising insights into this question.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lawsuits challenging Trump administration cuts in grant funding by other agencies, such as the Department Health and Human Services, have made analogous arguments.
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Mycelium is analogous to the roots of a plant (although mushrooms are fungi, not plants).
    Skye Chilton, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the meantime, the company encourages fans to explore the Pop Mart portfolio featuring other options like Crybaby, Peach Riot, Hirono, and SkullPanda.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 17 June 2025
  • All crashing into each other in ways never seen before.
    Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • More than a dozen House Democrats have co-sponsored the resolution, and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has put forward a similar measure in the Senate.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 June 2025
  • Be Doing Right Now? To navigate the synthetic media era, the DOJ and other similar institutions need a mindset and technological shift.
    Jason Crawforth, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Equally, Brentford will be reasonably optimistic about visiting the City Ground for their first match without Thomas Frank as manager, having won the corresponding fixture last season and been unbeaten on Trentside since Forest’s promotion three years ago.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Through the Partners In Kind Foundation, each project will have a corresponding impact campaign designed to extend its reach beyond the screen.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some have managed to exit via land crossings into Jordan and Egypt, while others are seeking alternative routes by sea or through neighboring airports.
    Amanda Castro Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • To reduce risk, the firm emphasizes diversification across asset classes such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments.
    Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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