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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
Set to be the second American team on the grid, Cadillac joins at a crucial time as F1 enters a new era of regulations in 2026, where cars will be powered by an equal ratio of electric power to internal combustion through sustainable fuels. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025 One study published in 1993 followed 24 dogs who were divided into two equal groups, one group wore cotton underpants and the other polyester. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2025
Noun
Tribal leaders have long labored to be treated as equals by American politicians. Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 That’s a nonconsensual, unequal form of interdependence, and the goal was a world where partners can meet as equals. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
But in China, India, and Vietnam, use of the energy source has surged during the same period with growth rates equaling 6.9%, 9.9%, and 25% respectively. Michael Franco may 16, New Atlas, 16 May 2025 The math is simple—as more Americans get back to work, higher employment equals higher payroll tax receipts which Medicare and Social Security depend on. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • These days — at least on Friday nights — the space offers musicians an equitable spotlight.
    Erick Galindo, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • The result is a more agile, inclusive and resilient workforce where employees have equitable access to growth.
    Abakar Saidov, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over all, Lee said, the album is an almost identical remake of the original—a technically difficult task to pull off.
    Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
  • Jane's testimony, which is likely to continue deep into next week, is identical in many ways to the four-day testimony in the trial's first week by Cassie.
    MICHAEL R. SISAK, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders.
    Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Prince Harry arrived at the Court of Appeal about an hour ahead of the hearing, appearing calm and composed.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Mexican side looked more composed in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities, especially after Sarah Luebbert (former Chicago Red Stars and University of Missouri standout) came on as a substitute and threatened Gotham’s defense.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The singer donned a completely sheer Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown to promote her new record on Wednesday, June 4, at Rockefeller Center in New York City, accentuating her chic look with matching black underwear and no bra in a risqué, NSFW Instagram post.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • That matches Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar as the fastest active defenseman to that mark.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The reality is that siphoning road dollars for public transit would mean that critical projects to repair functionally obsolete bridges and unsafe roads in Cook County and across the state would no longer proceed as planned.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • That means traveling on weekdays and taking the deal-seeking approach.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • The show uses everything from patriotic rallies to kids’ puppet shows to an ice-skating performance branded with the name of the omnipresent corporation Vought International to parallel real life.
    Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • New Mexico's two-lane Highway 9 parallels the border about three miles to the north.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • While Congress sets the CBO’s priorities, the group prides itself on being objective, impartial, and nonpartisan.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Her expertise lies in building boards with the right balance of domain expertise and impartial oversight, ensuring alignment between governance and investor confidence.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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