equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz How to pronounce equalize (audio)
equalized; equalizing

transitive verb

1
: to make equal
2
a
: to compensate for
b
: to make uniform
especially : to distribute evenly or uniformly
equalize the tax burden
c
: to adjust or correct the frequency characteristics of (an electronic signal) by restoring to their original level high frequencies that have been attenuated

intransitive verb

chiefly British : to tie the score
equalization noun

Examples of equalize in a Sentence

They are hoping to equalize pay for workers with similar jobs. Educational opportunities have not yet equalized. trying to equalize the pressure
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.
When play resumed, Benfica equalized in stoppage time — but Chelsea responded with an emphatic flurry, taking full advantage of the Portuguese side going down to 10 men in extra time. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025 Experts are also unsure how long any increase in problem gambling might last: Some studies suggest that the prevalence of gambling problems tends to equalize after a spike, but those findings are usually limited to physical casinos and remain debated within the field. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025 Congress has been looking into site-neutral payments for years, but hospitals have long fought off any attempts to equalize payment rates, arguing such a move would hurt rural providers and those that rely on a high proportion of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025 Finally, divide the marital portion of your wife’s pension in such a way to equalize your incomes. Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equalize

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of equalize was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Equalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equalize. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

equalize

verb
equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz How to pronounce equalize (audio)
equalized; equalizing
1
: to make equal
2
: to make uniform
especially : to distribute evenly
equalization noun
equalizer
ˈē-kwə-ˌlī-zər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on equalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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