equalize

1 of 2

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

equalization

2 of 2

noun

equal·​i·​za·​tion

variants also British equalisation

ˌēkwələ̇ˈzāshən, 

-ˌlīˈz-

plural -s

: the act of equalizing or the state of being equalized

equalization of conditions of employment in agriculture and industry

equalization of brake pressure on all wheels

specifically : the adjustment of the tax valuation of property so as to make the tax burden in different districts proportionate to the value of the taxable property in the district

Synonyms of equalize

Verb

• balance
• equate
• adjust
• compensate

Examples of equalize in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

That makes the hot and cold sides quickly equalize, clearly weakening electricity generation. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

Denver Summit kept the pressure on, and finally equalized in the 45+8 minute, with a banger scored by none other than co-captain Janine Sonis, another Colorado native from Highlands Ranch. — Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Japan and Sweden closed group play June 25 with a 1-1 draw, as Daizen Maeda struck in the 56th minute before Anthony Elanga’s rocket equalized in the 62nd, sending Japan through to the round of 32. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

The irrepressible Albiceleste overcame a 1-0 deficit against England in Wednesday’s semifinal, equalizing in the 85th minute and knocking in a go-ahead goal in extra time to send Argentina to its second consecutive World Cup final. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for equalize

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

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