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

Both times, Bosnia equalized late in the game and won a penalty shootout. — Sean Gregory, Time, 30 June 2026

In the second half, Murillo came a few feet away from equalizing after losing his defender, sprinting into some open space in the box and sending a shot just wide of the goal frame. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

But Austria equalized seconds later on the match’s final play, securing second place in the group and dropping Algeria to third. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 June 2026

Paraguay took the lead when Julio Enciso scored on a header late in the first half, but Kai Havertz equalized in the 52nd minute for four-time champion Germany. — Kyle Hightower, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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