equation
noun
equa·tion
i-ˈkwā-zhən 
also -shən
1
a
: the act or process of equating
b(1)
: an element affecting a process : factor
(2)
: a complex of variable factors
c
: a state of being equated
specifically
: a state of close association or identification
To bring governmental enterprises and payment for them into immediate equation … —
R. G. Tugwell
R. G. Tugwell 2
a
: a usually formal statement of the equality or equivalence of mathematical or logical expressions
b
: an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols
Examples of equation in a Sentence
the equation of material wealth with happiness
Recent Examples on the Web
As these correlations build up, the system’s evolution becomes increasingly difficult to reverse in practice, even if it is theoretically allowed by the equations.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
Legal experts believe the defendant could enter an insanity plea, but former California prosecutor Matt Murphy recently told NPR that’s a tough defense to prove, particularly if drugs figured into the equation.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Add in the rise of artificial intelligence, which has commanded major spending by companies across the board, and still-high Federal Reserve interest rates that make borrowing more expensive, and the deal-making equation was even trickier for much of the year.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
With more adults working longer careers, enjoying stronger health spans and greater financial independence, adventure has simply become part of the equation.
—Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equation
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
Legal experts believe the defendant could enter an insanity plea, but former California prosecutor Matt Murphy recently told NPR that’s a tough defense to prove, particularly if drugs figured into the equation.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Add in the rise of artificial intelligence, which has commanded major spending by companies across the board, and still-high Federal Reserve interest rates that make borrowing more expensive, and the deal-making equation was even trickier for much of the year.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
With more adults working longer careers, enjoying stronger health spans and greater financial independence, adventure has simply become part of the equation.
—Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equation
Cite this Entry
“Equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equation. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
equation
noun
equa·tion
i-ˈkwā-zhən
also -shən
1
: the act or process of equating : the state of being equated
2
a
: a statement of the equality of two mathematical expressions
b
: an expression involving chemical symbols for a chemical reaction
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