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equal

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noun

equal

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of equal are equivalent, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When might equivalent be a better fit than equal?

In some situations, the words equivalent and equal are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When is identical a more appropriate choice than equal?

The synonyms identical and equal are sometimes interchangeable, but identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

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

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 equal?

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 equal
Adjective
Williams saw that a simulation based on squishy pebbles would make the new algorithm’s space usage much smaller—roughly equal to the square root of the original algorithm’s time budget. Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 13 July 2025 Higher pixel density tends to contribute to better image quality, all other factors being equal. PC Magazine, 13 July 2025
Noun
But that will happen only if Xi can appear at least the equal of Trump, if not the man in control. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025 The 2015 merger of Holcim and Lafarge was widely viewed in the market as having fallen into a trap that many mergers of equals fall into. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
Jota’s squad number, 20, matched the club’s historic number of titles which was secured in 2024-25, equaling the English club record of Manchester United. James Pearce, New York Times, 11 July 2025 The convertible shares and the exercise of the common stock warrant would equal about a 15% stake in MP Materials as of July 9, nearly twice the 8.61% held by Litinsky and the 8.27% held by BlackRock Fund Advisors, according to FactSet data. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • Walsh adds that these issues won’t be solved without more equitable access to childcare for working-class families.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 July 2025
  • The fact is that allowing customer data to flow, under an equitable arrangement, is good not only for banks and fintechs but for society as a whole.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Another clip showing a comparison between Matt as a baby, and Darcy at the same age, the father and daughter looking identical to each other, also proved popular online.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Palmer netted an early brace with two almost identical goals just eight minutes apart midway through the first half.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Eco-stones made from recycled materials require less water and energy than pumice and are suitable for high-capacity batch processing.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Krypto maintains the decidedly unruly nature of the dog upon which he is based, a funny foil to Superman’s (played by David Corenswet) kind and composed comportment.
    Dan Heching, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems matches both When the Sun Goes Down and his Greatest Hits compilation.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • While State Farm cites climate trends and home replacement costs going up, Scarr says only clear oversight will ensure the numbers match reality.
    Catrina Barker, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The Justice Department further noted that no more files related to the case — other than a video meant to prove that Epstein killed himself — would be made public.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
  • Honda Five- and Seven-Seat EV SUV Died July 2025 This month, Honda reportedly nixed a new EV series meant to hit the roads starting in 2026.
    Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • There has yet to be a sufficient conversation focused on how faculty use the tool to enhance their performance that might parallel the ongoing one regarding student use.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In the film, Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells play Dom and Cole, a couple struggling to adopt a daughter, a process that paralleled Craig and Crano’s real life.
    William Earl, Variety, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly seven in 10 Americans doubt that the Supreme Court is impartial when making decisions.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • The co-defendants argued that keeping the trial in Nelson County would impede their rights to a fair and impartial trial because the publicity and news coverage the case has received could lead to a prejudiced jury pool.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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