1
as in equitable
marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias
the basic belief that everyone is entitled to equal opportunity in employment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in identical
resembling another in every respect
as far as I can see, except for the high price, the store-brand jacket is equal to the jacket with the designer label
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in suitable
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance
looking for someone equal to the challenge of running a large state university
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in composed
free from emotional or mental agitation
he proceeded, in an equal tone, to recount the terrible events of the day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in equivalent
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value
a basketball player who truly has no equal in his sport
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to match
to produce something equal to (as in quality or value)
no one has equaled Shakespeare's plays
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to mean
to be the same in meaning or effect
being confined to home for a whole weekend would equal a death sentence in the minds of a lot of teens
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to parallel
to be the exact counterpart of
in the British system a public school equals an American prep school
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 equal
Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
The legislation protects the state’s food supply, strengthens its economy, and puts food security on equal footing with national security.
—George Landrith, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Reviving America’s Blue Economy Kadmon envisions a new era for the blue economy, one that treats technology and tradition as equals.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025
Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
That often equals a welcome mainstream signal boost to films that could use it.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for equal
Adjective
Featuring On’s signature speed-lacing, patented CloudTec cushioning, and Swiss style, these shoes are equal parts convenient, comfortable, and cool.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
The legislation protects the state’s food supply, strengthens its economy, and puts food security on equal footing with national security.
—George Landrith, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
Reczek told Newsweek in an email that one of the primary reasons families become estranged is because adult children aren't treated as equals by their parents.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Reviving America’s Blue Economy Kadmon envisions a new era for the blue economy, one that treats technology and tradition as equals.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025
Verb
Under first-year coach Kevin Ballard, whose daughter Savannah plays for Highland, Young and the Panthers have already equaled their total victories from last season, and their only Greater South Shore Conference loss has come against first-place Wheeler.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
That often equals a welcome mainstream signal boost to films that could use it.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
-
My priority is to continue this strong fiscal stewardship while also working to ensure that state and federal funding per student is equitable with that of other high-performing districts.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Advocating for government action to unlock access UNICEF has long advocated with governments to invest more in education systems and to remove school fees and other barriers to equitable access.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Benriner Mandoline Slicer Paltrow showed us her trick for slicing paper-thin fennel for her jam — using a mandoline that looks almost identical to this one.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
When compared with new business startups, the attrition rate is nearly identical.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition, invest in a professional headshot (often available through career development offices) and begin assembling a versatile professional wardrobe suitable for interviews and a variety of workplace settings.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
-
This ultimately means that a suitable cathode must still be paired with it to create a complete battery cell.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Comfortable Ride: Adaptive dynamics with the optional air suspension provides a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads and off road trails.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
-
When the center returned to Minnesota, Finch saw a player who was more composed and sure of how to use his boundless energy within the context of the game.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Texas high school football equivalent to the opening bell on Wall Street takes place Monday.—
Colby Gordon,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As for Short’s killer, Mann sifts through the evidence against the many suspects who have been surfaced over the decades, including Leslie Dillon, who would sue the city for the equivalent of millions of dollars today.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
According to the researchers, even a few kilometers of difference allows interior models of Jupiter to better match both gravity data and atmospheric observations.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Heading into 2026 the Red Sox look capable of at least matching last year’s club, which finished third in the AL East, made the playoffs and lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Opening an investigation doesn't mean Mandelson will be arrested, charged or convicted.—
JILL LAWLESS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
-
This means that Venus, whether day or night, is always hotter than planet Mercury is, even at Mercury’s absolute hottest.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The backstory Part of the National Register of Historic Places, Hotel Jerome’s history parallels that of Aspen’s.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
-
One of the reasons to grow this plant is its attractiveness to Gulf fritillary butterflies, whose exclusive relationship with it parallels that of monarchs with milkweed.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
