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

Brendan Hines-Ike scored in the seventh minute for Austin, while Morris Duggan equalized with a header of his own in the 40th minute. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026

Although burly striker Pio Esposito equalized with an opportunist finish 10 minutes later, the home side picked off Inter with two goals in quick succession in the second half. —ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

Next, using a statistical tool known as a Cox regression model, the researchers equalized the participants based on factors such as age, smoking status, BMI, physical activity, alcohol intake, depression, family history of dementia, medication use and more. —New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026

But Sweden was unfazed as Gabriel Landeskog, a forward for the Colorado Avalanche, equalized just five minutes later. —Nbc News, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026

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