equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz 

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

ˌē-kwə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms of equalize

• balance
• equate
• adjust
• compensate

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

Burns’ wrister through traffic deflected off Kelly, then off a Blues defender and goalie Joel Hofer to equalize the game at 1-1. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026

Marshall Munetsi equalized in the 74th. —ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026

Bay nearly equalized on a corner kick just a few minutes later as Taylor Huff sent a curling attempt from the left side of the box just wide. —Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026

The Kings had equalized with Panarin’s 27th goal of 2025-26. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for equalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz 

equalized; equalizing

1

: to make equal

2

: to make uniform

especially : to distribute evenly

equalization

ˌē-kwə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

equalizer

ˈē-kwə-ˌlī-zər

noun