equivalent 1 of 2

as in counterpart
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value that huge mansion at the end of the street is the equivalent of five ordinary houses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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equivalent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word equivalent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equivalent are equal, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When would equal be a good substitute for equivalent?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivalent, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

Where would identical be a reasonable alternative to equivalent?

Although the words identical and equivalent have much in common, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equivalent?

Same may imply and selfsame always implies that the things under consideration are one thing and not two or more things.

took the same route
derived from the selfsame source

How does the word very relate to other synonyms for equivalent?

Very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of equivalent
Noun
The quality of the linens, the surprise-and-delight moments (like a Hatch sound machine beside the bed), and the number of cozy reading corners are equivalent to those associated with five-star resorts, like Montage Palmetto Bluff or Sea Island. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2025 This short cycle has been attributed to a companion black hole with about 150 million times the mass of the sun orbiting the main black hole, which has been claimed to have a mass equivalent to a whopping 18.35 billion suns. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Sixth Street, Austin’s Bourbon Street equivalent, has a reputation for rowdyness and violence. Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The success of Permission to Dance on Stage (Live) is largely thanks to those 36,000 pure purchases, but when including the sales of individual tunes from its tracklist and streaming activity, the live effort moved a total of 43,000 equivalent units. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • This chimes with previous reports that every iPhone will see a $50 price increase compared to current counterparts.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • But the New England Patriots quarterback is keeping tabs on what his Washington Commanders’ counterpart — and others from their draft class — are up to heading into their second NFL seasons.
    Kyle Hightower, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This was a team that many in March thought had upside comparable to the Dodgers.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The figure wasn't immediately comparable to estimates.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Bestowing a different kind of moving stillness from his recent works, with sequences that convey a radiant atmosphere and buzzing natural life, Back Home draws attention to the brilliance all around, a homecoming of sorts after a string of films about a Walker in exile.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Unlike many artists, who tease singles for months and space out releases by years, YoungBoy takes a different approach.
    Xander Zellner, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This is analogous to what occurs with respect to ACIP’s recommendations for vaccines.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The process might be analogous to how amino acids spontaneously formed simple organic molecules roughly 4 billion years ago.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • With vouchers and other options, no student has to be in a school where books are on the shelves, unless their parents want them to be exposed to what America (and Florida) really look like.
    Robert Kesten, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The caramelization process converts starches to sugar in sweet potatoes as well as in other veggies.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While the data shows a spike in crime in these areas, citywide data shows that crime is occurring at similar rates to last year.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Although the payments would be similar to the 2020 payments issued at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, rebates differ from stimulus checks.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In a corresponding move, Washington placed McLaurin on the physically unable to perform list.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The Yankees also placed another outfielder, Austin Slater, on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, making for an easy corresponding move for Judge.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Missing this window can result in permanent eligibility loss, forcing individuals to seek alternative coverage, often at higher costs or with less comprehensive benefits.
    John Pierce, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • All the while, flag football grew as an alternative endeavor.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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