equitable

adjective

eq·​ui·​ta·​ble ˈe-kwə-tə-bəl 

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

ˌe-kwə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

equitableness

ˈe-kwə-tə-bəl-nəs 

noun

equitably

ˈe-kwə-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• candid
• disinterested
• dispassionate
• equal
• evenhanded
• fair
• impartial
• indifferent
• just
• nonpartisan
• objective
• square
• unbiased
• unprejudiced

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

Examples of equitable in a Sentence

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

In an industry dominated by large travel corporations, these 11 Earth Day heroes are leading inspiring grassroots initiatives that are leaving a more positive, equitable, and lasting impact on our planet—and our travels. —Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2024

The report recommends four broad policy goals: ensuring affordable, comprehensive and equitable health insurance coverage for all; strengthening primary care; lowering administrative burdens for patients and providers; and investing in social services. —Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024

Neither side asked for one and, in any event, the remedies sought are all equitable in nature, mandating that the trial be a bench trial, one that a judge alone decides. —Linda Qiu, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024

This option could appease community members who have spoken out against district leaders' insistence that cutting magnet busing is the most equitable solution to its busing woes. —Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024

Lori says the bankruptcy is meant to compensate survivors in an equitable way while allowing the archdiocese to continue its ministries. —Steve Thompson, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Trust tells workers their employer will use AI in a way that will make their workplace experience better and more equitable. —Michael C. Bush, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024

The improvements align with the district’s Rebuilding Stronger plan, which aims to revamp the district’s middle school experience by providing more equitable access to school programming like athletic offerings. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Apr. 2024

Or is there still time to navigate toward a better, more equitable future? —Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

equitable

adjective

eq·​ui·​ta·​ble ˈek-wət-ə-bəl 

: being fair or just

reached an equitable settlement of their dispute

equitableness noun

equitably

-blē 

adverb

Legal Definition

equitable

adjective

eq·​ui·​ta·​ble ˈe-kwi-tə-bəl 

1

: having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally

shall allocate…payments in an equitable manner

—U.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

ˌe-kwi-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

equitableness noun

equitably adverb