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

• compare
• liken

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

In 1873, Whistler completed a brooding portrait of Leyland in the manner of painter Diego Velázquez, equating the Englishman with a Spanish monarch. —Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 July 2024

His point wasn’t to equate the ideas or places but to emphasize the contextual fits in each location. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2024

And to equate being given interesting work, prestige, or great benefits with love. —Dr. Gary McClain, TIME, 15 July 2024

The New Orleans native went a bit further, equating his perception of Turk’s importance to that of another Destiny’s Child songstress Michelle Williams in an unflattering manner. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 11 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

equated; equating

: to make or treat as equal or equivalent