equality

noun

equal·​i·​ty i-ˈkwä-lə-tē How to pronounce equality (audio)
plural equalities
Synonyms of equality
1
: the quality or state of being equal
2

Examples of equality in a Sentence

the ideals of liberty and equality it's absurd to suggest that there's an equality in the evil committed by the Nazis and the crimes of the government of that Asian country
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
America is a political and moral fact—the first community in which men set out in principle to enshrine freedom, responsible government, and human equality. Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 She was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in July 2014, and subsequently helped launch the UN Women campaign HeForShe, which urges men to advocate for gender equality. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 Wilson lost the fight over state equality in the Senate, but more than a century later, he would be vindicated on the issue of direct congressional elections with the passage of the Seventeenth Amendment. Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 Schlafly, who gave him a rare early endorsement, had in the 1970s slayed the Equal Rights Amendment, which sought to give women equality under the Constitution — a seeming shoo-in, until she got involved. Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for equality

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of equality was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Equality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equality. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

equality

noun
equal·​i·​ty i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē How to pronounce equality (audio)
plural equalities
: the quality, fact, or state of being equal

Legal Definition

equality

noun
equal·​i·​ty
: the quality or state of being equal: as
a
: sameness or equivalence in number, quantity, or measure
b
: likeness or sameness in quality, power, status, or degree

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