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

Her character's magnetic pull toward Stephen DeMarco, despite every red flag, certainly mirrors a Water sign’s tendency to equate love with obsession. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026

Subsequent rulings expanded the assault on our electoral system, including Citizens United, which equates people to corporations — more nonsense. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026

Meghan Callahan, from the Empower Fans Coalition, a group that opposes the bill, equates this licensing change to taking a lease out on the ticket. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026

While the novel seems to equate bravery, as manifested through behavior in the bullring, with moral clarity, here the emblem of bravery has been turned into garbage. —Akhil Sharma, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 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