equal

1 of 2

noun

1

: one that is equal

… insists that women can be absolute equals with men …

—Anne Bernays

2

: an equal quantity

equal

2 of 2

verb

equaled or equalled; equaling or equalling

transitive verb

1

: to be equal to

especially : to be identical in value to

2

archaic : equalize

3

: to make or produce something equal to

Synonyms of equal

Noun

• equivalent
• counterpart

Verb

• match
• meet
• surpass

Examples of equal in a Sentence

Noun

I consider him my equal.

We are all equals here.

Verb

Nothing can ever equal that experience.

See if you can equal that!

a weight lifter attempting to equal his rival's performance

No one can equal him in chess.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The announcement framed it as a merger of equals, bringing 42 parks together under one company. —HubSpot, 1 June 2026

But leaders do need to understand that minimalism from a position of authority can feel different from minimalism between equals. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Verb

As Liverpool announced their decision to part ways with Arne Slot on Saturday, there was a sense of regret at how things fell apart for the manager who delivered them a record-equalling 20th league title just 12 months ago. —Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026

That however many holes the team had in 2025 — which for the Cowboys equalled the sum of playing 76 rounds of golf — are magically filled just in time for the start of training camp. —Mac Engel june 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing equal

• all/other things being equal
• equal-area
• equal opportunities
• equal opportunities employer
• equal opportunity
• equal opportunity employer
• equal protection
• equal sign
• on an equal footing
• on equal terms
• without equal

Rhymes for equal

• sequel
• coequal
• subequal
• unequal

Kids Definition

equal

1 of 3 adjective

ˈē-kwəl 

1

a

: exactly the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality

an equal number of apples and oranges

officers of equal rank

of equal importance

b

: identical in mathematical value : equivalent

2

: not varying from one person or part to another

equal job opportunities

equal pressure throughout the system

3

: impartial

equal laws

4

: capable of meeting requirements : sufficient

equal to the task

equally adverb

equal

2 of 3 noun

1

: one that is equal

has no equal at chess

2

: an equal quantity

equal

3 of 3 verb

equaled or equalled; equaling or equalling

1

: to be equal to

2

: to produce something equal to : match

see if you can equal that!

Legal Definition

equal

1 of 2 adjective

1

: like in quality, nature, or status

2

: like for each member of a group, class, or society

3

: regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : impartial

equal

2 of 2 noun

: one that is equal

Etymology

Adjective

Latin aequalis, from aequus level, equal