Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective equable differ from other similar words?

The words even and steady are common synonyms of equable. While all three words mean "not varying throughout a course or extent," equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes.

maintain an equable temper

When would even be a good substitute for equable?

The words even and equable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character.

an even distribution

In what contexts can steady take the place of equable?

The synonyms steady and equable are sometimes interchangeable, but steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement.

steady progress

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 equable Journalism’s trainer Michael McCarthy has been quite equable about all the chatter out of that direction. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Wolcott is an equable type with cropped dark hair and a preference for business-casual attire, which in the Pacific Northwest qualifies as formal wear. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2024 The elves with which the casual viewer or reader is familiar may be noble, equable creatures. Jack Butler, National Review, 31 Dec. 2023 The climate of the Pala valley is delightfully balmy and equable. Merrie Monteagudo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2023 Its colorful international cast of players and their equable manager, Carlo Ancelotti — returning after years to reverse the team’s fortunes — might easily have been invented in a Hollywood writers room. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equable
Adjective
  • The marine creatures — named for French naturalist Antoine Risso — are found throughout tropical and temperate regions of the Earth’s oceans, particularly near continental shelves, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In temperate areas, the feeder should be cleaned at least twice a week for the entire hummingbird season.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Messi returned to action after missing two games with a mild hamstring injury.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
  • In the Lower Peninsula, a milder winter with below-average precipitation and patchy snow is expected.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equable. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equable

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