Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective equitable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of equitable are dispassionate, fair, impartial, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

Where would dispassionate be a reasonable alternative to equitable?

The synonyms dispassionate and equitable are sometimes interchangeable, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

When might fair be a better fit than equitable?

While the synonyms fair and equitable are close in meaning, fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is it sensible to use impartial instead of equitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to equitable, impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

In what contexts can just take the place of equitable?

In some situations, the words just and equitable are roughly equivalent. However, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

When would objective be a good substitute for equitable?

The words objective and equitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When can unbiased be used instead of equitable?

Although the words unbiased and equitable have much in common, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

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 equitable That would be more realistic, equitable and fiscally responsible than promising higher taxes on just the wealthy, or opting just to run bigger deficits. Allison Schrager, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025 This organization focuses on building power for Black Minnesotans through leadership development, political education, and access to equitable jobs and housing. Rod Adams, Essence, 25 May 2025 If financing for new innovation requires equitable access to the new technologies that are developed, many people in poor countries may get access to vaccines much more quickly in the next pandemic. Nicole Hassoun, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 The solution is not to curb wealth itself but to safeguard the integrity of political institutions and ensure equitable access to public goods. Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Her expertise lies in building boards with the right balance of domain expertise and impartial oversight, ensuring alignment between governance and investor confidence.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • While Congress sets the CBO’s priorities, the group prides itself on being objective, impartial, and nonpartisan.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Not surprisingly, Fort Lauderdale has historically been seen — and seen itself — as a vestigial appendage of its southern neighbor rather than an equal force to be respected and reckoned with.
    Peter Lane Taylor, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The former is directly connected to financial assistance offered by a school for a shared and equal fee—the cost of matriculation at the college—while the latter is less about university financial assistance and more about compensation for services or identity use.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The intent of this article is to provide objective information; however, readers should be aware that the author may have a financial interest in the subject matter discussed.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • And all of us—users, voters, citizens—can demand that AI serve science and objective truth, not just correlations.
    Erik Otárola-Castillo, Time, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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