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 When crimes occur—and when law enforcement interacts with youth—safe and effective policing demands developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and equitable training. Geordie McClelland, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Nevertheless, the equitable thing to do is to take any legal action available to defend democratic principles. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025 The data mandate seeks to unravel years of thoughtful and holistic review aimed at making the higher education system more equitable, Chang said. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025 Apparel, footwear, leather and textile workers in Eswatini and South Africa are pushing for a just transition from fossil-fuel-reliant industries to low-carbon economies that promote fair and equitable employment. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • For a longer journey, Johnson is impartial to his Osprey Aether pack for its airscape back panels, floating lids, and signature Fit on the Fly adjustments.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Our department is committed to a thorough and impartial review.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If there’s still a coffee mark, mix powder laundry detergent with equal parts water and white vinegar to make a paste.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Though The Blackening is laugh-out-loud funny, its sharp writing makes for equal parts horror and humor, rarely letting its tension rest for a second.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The two competing studies from less-than-objective sources leave us still wondering what the true impact might have been.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Get an objective snapshot of your business health today.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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