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 San Jose maintains a set of AI principles requiring that any AI tools used by city government be effective, transparent to the public and equitable in their effects on people’s lives. Maria Lungu, The Conversation, 6 May 2025 Williams is an attorney and advocate from Jamaica who champions youth empowerment and marginalized groups' equitable access to education, healthcare and technology. Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Unfortunately, access to these leafy perks isn’t always equitable. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 Gender equity creates greater economies, improved communities and a more equitable world. Shikha Bajaj, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
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
Adjective
  • The film’s blank spaces and ambiguities linger even after a melodramatic pivot that’s easily seen coming, and will entice and confound viewers in equal measure.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025
  • The survey results often provide validation and locker-room white-board fodder in equal parts for teams eager to prove themselves.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Stop wasting taxpayer money trying to close and redevelop an airport that two independent, objective studies have concluded benefits the area and should remain open.
    Craig A. Raabe, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2025
  • Efforts to politicize objective research on LGBTQ youth mental health are nothing new.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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