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

Talent has started to equalize at the top, particularly between the SEC and Big Ten, and when talent is equal, coaching and quarterback play act as the tiebreaker. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Seattle equalized in the 50th minute when Sally Menti collected a precise pass from Mia Fishel and fired past goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

León equalized in the 54th minute off a Jordi Cortizo free kick. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

Endrick and Alexis Ciria scored for Madrid, who led 2-0 before Fiorentina equalized through Roberto Piccoli and Moise Kean. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 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