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

Nobody is suggesting that invoking the memory of Stauffenberg to inspire modern soldiers also equates their superiors to Nazis. —Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025

But ever since De Souza and his wife and business partner Sydney Younggreen began opening — and closing — their restaurant concepts in Denver, it’s been hard not to equate them with the big city. —Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 4 Dec. 2025

Much of the public opposes import taxes, which many Americans, and most economists, equate with rising prices. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2025

Without institutional support, parents are left with a narrative of drudgery—one that equates children with the loss of time, money, and opportunity. —Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

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