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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 film, gritty and metaphysical in equal measure, also stars Mariela Garriga and Edgar Vittorino, and was produced by Sangre Yoruba AIE in co-production with RTVE. Jamie Lang, Variety, 2 May 2025 After the George Floyd protests of 2020, Akil noticed an increase of young Black people talking about the microaggressions in their private, white institutions, which shocked and interested her in equal measure. Jazmine Hughes, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Noun
However, there is a way to achieve this while still treating founders as equals. David Nour, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Of course, being C-eligible but not having to catch is an edge, but last year — and going back a bit further — nobody thought Willson Contreras was the equal of either Smith or Realmuto. Gene McCaffrey, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
Workplace dynamics can be tricky, especially when the boss thinks their physical size equals authority. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 The Clippers’ owner is also fined $2.5 million, the maximum amount allowed under the NBA Constitution. 2018 — Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal equals his Open-era record for most wins at the same event (11 Monte Carlo) with his 11th Barcelona ATP title. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 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
  • Sky News and Torrent Freak were able to do the same and found identical results.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • Emily killed her identical triplet sister Faith to use her body in the supposed drowning.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • These options provide faster data transfer rates and are more suitable for today's high-volume data needs.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • The fan also has a larger size that is suitable for bathrooms up to 150 square feet.
    Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 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
  • Moving forward, the team aims to test other sea lions and see if Ronan can match less predictable tempos.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • The neutral colors match everything, but the playful pattern still makes a statement.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Bundling means purchasing more than one line of insurance from the same provider.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Dutton's plight parallels that of Canada's opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, who lost his seat after Trump declared economic war on the U.S. neighbor to the north.
    Time, Time, 3 May 2025
  • The market’s response today parallels the reaction when Hasbro reported its fourth quarter and full-year earnings results at the end of February.
    Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 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 16 May. 2025.

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