Definition of equitablenext

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 Gap’s partnership has supported HFR’s mission to uplift emerging Black and Brown designers and build a more equitable industry through educational programs, industry events and investments. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 Diplo’s Run Club donates a portion of every ticket sale to Good Sports, a nonprofit creating equitable access to youth sports. Katie Bain, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026 Your work has advocated for high-quality, equitable, and respectful care for Black women. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 11 Feb. 2026 Consolidating the schools is an effort to improve efficiency and equitable access to education, district officials said. Kendrick Calfee february 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • The jury Defense attorneys for Colin Gray had argued for a change of venue, asking Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm to move the case out of Barrow County so their client could get a fair and impartial jury.
    Jozsef Papp, AJC.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Current events in Charlotte have only amplified the importance of putting the most experienced, fair and impartial Judges on the bench.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That match — equal to half of your retirement contributions up to $2,000 — will be deposited directly into your Roth IRA.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The actress took to Instagram to share a few photos of a look that was equal parts cheeky and cozy.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The 7x50 configuration offers a wide, bright field of view that’s forgiving for handheld use, while 10x50 binoculars provide slightly more magnification with the same 50mm objective lens for solid light gathering.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The winner was the player who avoided being blocked the longest — a blocking game, a category of strategy game where the objective centers on restricting your opponent’s movement.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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