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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
The climax is equal parts touching and gruesome — and not where anyone would have imagined this movie going. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 June 2025 That journey, which is equal parts unconventional, honest and unexpectedly beautiful, has made the trio unlikely TikTok stars, drawing tens of thousands of followers who are captivated by their unorthodox but deeply functional family life. Ashley Vega, People.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
Why Refusing to Change Diapers Is Just the Beginning Mom is not a partner or his equal in this relationship. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 1 May 2025 Tell them that you’d rather be seen as an equal and someone who’s allowed to make mistakes and grow, just like anyone else. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
Mayfield leading the Buccaneers to a championship would equal the championship Brady brought to town. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 While that amount of money doesn’t equal the massive second-weekend take of Inside Out 2 a year ago ($101.2M), consider the two wide entries a further deepening of the summer box office with a diversity of fare (that’s been the motif all season long, no?). Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • As new federal and state regulations favor local data and AI with human oversight, there has never been a better—or more urgent—moment to make the U.S. the global standard for secure, resilient, and equitable healthcare administration in the era of agentic AI.
    Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This year's honor roll comes at a critical time, as hospitals work to maintain equitable care amid potential Medicaid cuts, rising costs and ongoing workforce challenges.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The two cases are not identical, as there is no dispute that Drogheda and Silkeborg are controlled by the same owner, whereas Textor has never had that much sway at Palace, but Trivela’s travails demonstrate that UEFA is getting increasingly strict with MCO groups.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • There is humor, however, in Lucy being surrounded by identical cheering women who are also in her sorority of peddling soulmates to the soulless as she is told the news.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • This new moon is particularly suitable for projects or processes that have to do with your well-being, your home, your family, or your emotional balance.
    Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 24 June 2025
  • Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a financial advisor to understand if cryptocurrency is suitable for your financial situation.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response.
    Christopher Fairbank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • McIlroy looked composed and steady at 2-under through nine.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 golfer in the world defending his 2024 Travelers crown, matched Eckroat’s eagle on No. 13 to tie the lead and jumped into the top spot with a birdie on No. 15 about three and a half hours after Eckroat finished.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
  • With Butterfly Effect’s Manus, however, the initial buzz faded fast after developers testing Manus found that the model seemed error-prone and couldn’t match what the company had demonstrated.
    Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • That meant buying physical books offered a legal workaround.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The family’s story parallels major changes in child welfare policy that has taken millions of young Americans out of their homes.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025
  • This rise is paralleled by a concerning decline in those receiving mental health care, with only 34% of men seeking help compared with more than 50% of women.
    Chuka Emezue, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • International aid organizations refused to participate in the new system, with deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq saying the plan is not impartial, neutral or independent.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 June 2025
  • But the United Nations says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and it will not be involved. 'PARIAH STATE' As people waited for supplies to arrive, air strikes and tank fire killed at least 50 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Palestinian health authorities said.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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