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

• 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

After an early goal from Lyonnes, who are eight-time Champions League winners and 18-time French league title holders, PSG equalized with a converted penalty in the 33rd minute to level the two sides heading into halftime. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025

Minnesota equalized in the 65th minute via a rocket by midfielder Nectarios Triantis. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025

Attempting to equalize nuclear capabilities across the three powers cannot work. —Mariano-Florentino CuÉllar, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025

First, Kenan Yildiz (63’) equalized, only for Felix Nmecha to score one minute late. —Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

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