equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

ˈē-ˌkwāt

equated; equating

transitive verb

1

a

: to make equal : equalize

b

: to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard or obtain a correct result

2

: to treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable

equates disagreement with disloyalty

intransitive verb

: to correspond as equal

Synonyms of equate

• compare

Examples of equate in a Sentence

You shouldn't equate those two things.

a value system that equates money with success

Recent Examples on the Web

Though eventually abandoned due to cost, this system of surveillance endeavored to equate producers with virtue. — Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

Perhaps Lacey simply saw a culminating event at the end of a book that should have no culmination, and equated maternal affection with resolution. — Catherine G. Wagley, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Decision-makers have come to equate technically ready data with business-ready data. — Kevin Campbell, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The study’s authors are careful to frame Qurayyah Painted Ware as an example of ancient brand-making, rather than directly equating it with a modern multinational brand. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin aequatus, past participle of aequare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing equate

• equate to
• equate with/and

Rhymes for equate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

equated; equating

: to make or treat as equal or equivalent