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

The reigning champions maintained pressure up top and nearly equalized, but Malawi refused to slow down. — Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 28 July 2026

But even as the daily sell-outs crack the spirits of fans, Funko has found ways to equalize the phenomenon. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

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

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