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

Yet in a culture that equates progress with perpetual acceleration, to pause is to risk obsolescence. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Blackwell equated Robinson’s impact to that of Sidney Poitier, Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Given Donalds’ years working in education, equating an assessment with a curriculum is a surprising argument. — Crystal Etienne, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Why the burning sensation is not a benefit That sharp alcohol sting many of us learned to equate with efficacy is doing no useful work. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 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