equitable

adjective

eq·​ui·​ta·​ble ˈe-kwə-tə-bəl How to pronounce equitable (audio)
1
: having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally with all concerned
an equitable settlement of the dispute
2
: existing or valid in equity as distinguished from law
an equitable defense
equitability noun
equitableness noun
equitably adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for equitable

fair, just, equitable, impartial, unbiased, dispassionate, objective mean free from favor toward either or any side.

fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

Example Sentences

They reached an equitable settlement of their dispute. fighting for a more equitable distribution of funds an equitable system of taxation
Recent Examples on the Web Systemic barriers are practices, policies, or structures that prevent equitable access and/or outcomes. Historicons, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023 As legislators look to future solutions, partnering with the communities most affected by a lack of equitable food access will be essential to long-term success. Gia Mora, Treehugger, 22 Feb. 2023 However, officials at the U.N. agency said countries could get a head start against potentially dangerous fungal infections by taking steps like strengthening their laboratory capacities and ensuring equitable access to existing treatments. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2023 As the Grammys returned to Los Angeles this year, RAMPD moved from an unofficial consulting role to an official advisor to the Recording Academy in order to set a new precedent for equitable access at major awards shows. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Feb. 2023 More equitable vaccine access may allow more people in these countries to get vaccinated despite their hesitancy. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2023 El Tímpano is one of several organizations using similar strategies designed to provide communities with more equitable access to resources and information that is specific to their needs. San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2023 Programs designed to help people get to parks are important because, research shows, proximity to green spaces alone can’t ensure equitable access to nature for people of color. Hartford Courant, 8 Dec. 2022 As the supply of Paxlovid has grown, efforts have been made to improve timely, equitable access to the treatment. Deidre Mcphillips, CNN, 8 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'equitable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of equitable was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near equitable

Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equitable. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

equitable

adjective
eq·​ui·​ta·​ble ˈek-wət-ə-bəl How to pronounce equitable (audio)
: being fair or just
reached an equitable settlement of their dispute
equitableness noun
equitably adverb

Legal Definition

equitable

adjective
eq·​ui·​ta·​ble ˈe-kwi-tə-bəl How to pronounce equitable (audio)
1
: having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally
shall allocate…payments in an equitable mannerU.S. Code
2
: existing or valid in equity or as a matter of equity as distinguished from law
an equitable defense
compare legal sense 4
equitability noun
equitableness noun
equitably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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