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

Cristian Romero headed a goal back for Argentina in the 79th minute before Messi equalized five minutes later to level the score, pouncing on a loose ball to extend his World Cup goal record to 21. — Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 8 July 2026

Belgium took an early lead in the 9th minute via Charles De Ketelaere, but the joint hosts equalized half an hour into the game, with Malik Tillman hammering home. — Lee Ying Shan,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 July 2026

But La Tri equalized seven minutes later, and then, in the seventy-seventh minute, Gonzalo Plata delivered salvation with a score that Ecuador fans will talk about forever. — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 6 July 2026

Captain Tim Ream, who was beaten in the air for Belgium’s second goal that robbed the US of momentum after Malik Tillman had just equalized, was not exactly in the side for his current level of skill. — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 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