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
Failure to reach a deal could put Korean exporters at a disadvantage and would be a setback as overseas shipments were equivalent to more than 40% of South Korea’s GDP in 2024. Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 26 July 2025 Mistral points out, for instance, that the incremental CO2 emissions from one of its average LLM queries are equivalent to those of watching 10 seconds of a streaming show in the US (or 55 seconds of the same show in France, where the energy grid is notably cleaner). Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2025 The environmental and public health benefits are substantial: One electric bus prevents the equivalent emissions from 33 gasoline vehicles, with 70% lower operating costs compared to diesel buses. Margo T. Oge, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 In 2024, 89% of infants globally, equivalent to about 115 million, received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine, and 85%, roughly 109 million, completed all three doses. Dr. Michelle Lee, ABC News, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • Those traits are evident now in his younger counterpart.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2025
  • Losing patience with Putin, Trump has accused his Russian counterpart of being open to a ceasefire during private conversations, only to carry out attacks on Ukraine afterward.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a recent note on quantum computing, analysts at Bank of America had to reach way back—way, way back—for a comparable advancement in human history.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 July 2025
  • Burberry’s overall group revenues declined 1% year-on-year on a comparable basis to £433 million ($ 582million) in the June quarter, compared with the 3% decline analysts had forecast in a company compiled consensus.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • And in a different carousel of photos, which Justin shared on Friday, the singer once again cozied up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her in what appeared to be candid shots.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • Petoskey and Charlevoix stones are both are different species of coral.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rounding off the league’s national TV offerings is TBS, which is averaging 358,000 viewers per outing with its non-exclusive Tuesday night telecasts, good for a 17% lift compared to the analogous period in 2024.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • The judge found that California did not present evidence of any historically analogous laws, finding that the laws the state did cite were not similar enough.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to English, wages at other manufacturing plants that do similar work are much higher than at Challenge, where some employees are paid as little as $18 an hour.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Students in grades 6-12 are also allowed to have cell phones and other personal technology at school and are allowed to use them during lunch and in between classes.
    Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Grossberg's attorney plans to file a similar lawsuit in federal court, though, claiming the Democratic representative is entitled to a jury trial.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
  • That money, along with a similar amount coming from other sources, is currently being used to pay for the levee design, a process that will take three years.
    Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Right-handed reliever Tristan Beck was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
  • Recently Cut By Yankees Yankees, Red Sox Eyeing Blockbuster Trade For Pair Of Star Pitchers In a corresponding move, roookie right-hander Andre Granillo was recalled from Triple-A Memphis.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The more heated that Cornyn and Paxton’s clashes get, the more chatter there is about possible alternative candidates; Jackson and Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, are on that list.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
  • Different teams adopt alternative platforms to meet their needs.
    Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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