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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
Tibi belted tote bag—a street style hit—and oversized Thistles sunglasses (a Jennifer Lawrence favorite) for a relaxed look that reads equal part directional and carefree. Lara Oliveri, Vogue, 15 May 2025 At the beginning of the looped pathway, there’s an explanation of the Huron-Wendat Great Circle, a belief that all beings are equal and interdependent. Debbie Olsen, AFAR Media, 15 May 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
That will bring the total number of layoffs at Nissan to 20,000 in the past year, which equals about 15% of its workforce. Kevin Ryan, Quartz, 13 May 2025 Finally, firms must understand that simply buying software doesn’t equal impact. Julien Villemonteix, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • The Cook County Board of Review has consistently advocated for reforms to improve initial assessments and ensure equitable outcomes for all taxpayers.
    George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • The group later delivered a letter to the governor’s office that called for equitable school funding and the passage of Senate Bill 1511, which has passed out of the Education Committee and has been sent to Appropriations.
    Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The creator replaced it with a nearly identical bronze statue shortly after, but moved its location to private property nearby and attached it to concrete and metal rods.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025
  • Hippler filed a separate, nearly identical order specific to the defense.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 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, 19 May 2025
  • Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The speech was met with interruptions from hecklers, prompting Kennedy to remain composed and even express gratitude for the lessons learned from such interactions.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The resort’s composed, perfectionist manager who returned to Japan after years in New York’s hospitality industry.
    Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Our customers no longer need to stress about layering or matching a bra, underwear, shapewear, and an outfit for every occasion.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • If shortness of breath is new or doesn’t match your activity level or fitness, consult a healthcare provider.
    Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Some traditions are timeless − black smoke from the chimney after a vote means no candidate has received the necessary votes.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • The decision means Janette Nesheiwat, a former Fox News medical contributor, is no longer under consideration for the role.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • And there were things about flying that seemed to — seemed to — parallel with coaching.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • This process often parallels their broader clinical goals, helping clients heal and reconcile their faith with their changing sense of self.
    Devora Shabtai, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Diddy's jury selection continued Tuesday with voir dire, the questioning of potential jurors to assess their ability to remain impartial upon hearing various types of evidence.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2025
  • They were asked if their experience would prevent them from making an impartial judgment, and most said no.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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