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Definition of equalnext
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equal

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noun

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

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
Not all individuals have equal access to health care or primary care physicians. A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2026 Wells Fargo reiterates Alphabet as equal weight Wells raised its price target to $350 per share from $268 on Alphabet. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
But as spouses and co-parents, both parties need to be treated as equals, Sethi said. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025 And unlike Discovery, Par-WB would be a merger of spiritual equals; the company of The Godfather is probably a better fit than the company of House Hunters. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
The team record is 48 wins, set in 2015-16 and equaled last year. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 Like, how many American flags equal one Confederate flag? Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • By demanding that the league’s average and median salaries align with these figures, the union would ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth, fostering roster depth and long-term player retention.
    Nafees Alam, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In an equitable system, technology should reduce risk for homeowners, not shift it onto them.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Michael Levin, a researcher at Tufts University, has blocked cell channels to manipulate the membrane potentials of developing worm embryos, causing genetically identical worms to develop different body plans.
    Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Then another in the same increment in October and a third one by an identical amount in December.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With Dish Soap A mix of dish soap and water is more suitable for finished wood.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Select the Right Temperature Setting Most seed starting mats are relatively simple devices that use minimal electricity to raise soil temperatures by 5°F to 20°F above the ambient room temperature, which is suitable for most plants.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • More aggressive than the Tide, more physical, more composed and clearly better prepared, the Hoosiers showed zero rust after a month-long break after the Big Ten championship game.
    Paul Myerberg, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • What exactly constitutes the functional equivalent of life without parole is still up for debate.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The Ford Econoline 150 — Ryan called it the van equivalent of the F-150 pickup — provided a prime canvas for extras.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Style them with a comfortable long-sleeve shirt or your best lived-in hoodie, or create your own loungewear set by adding Spanx’s matching Half Zip, Turtleneck, or Crewneck Tunic.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Away from the cameras, Matt and Luciana have remained committed to their decades-long romance, including seeing each other in the middle of projects, attending red carpet events and getting matching tattoos.
    Jessica Booth, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The governor has promised no new taxes and fees, meaning painful cuts could be ahead.
    Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • That means the rider can steer the elephant, but only if the elephant is willing.
    Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • How does your experience of coming out as a young adult under the spotlight parallel the fears Will feels in this fictional world populated by monsters?
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
  • Such history implies that building humanoids is a cultural imperative, an instinct that parallels biological reproduction.
    James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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