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 In nudging the city toward a healthier, safer, more equitable version of itself. Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 That’s the person who can integrate diverse expertise, promote equitable contributions, and cultivate trust. Jamil Zaki, Harvard Business Review, 15 Aug. 2025 The aim is to kickstart research, develop products and ensure equitable access to them worldwide. Reuters, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 Unexpected new initiatives from these newcomers could shift perceptions of space from something to dominate and possess to something more inclusive, equitable and democratic. Tony Milligan, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Once again, Attorney General Bonta has failed to perform his fiduciary duty of providing fair and impartial information to the voters.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Primus said in his tenure the STB always strove to be impartial and apolitical.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The New York Federal Reserve’s measure of Global Supply Chain Pressure showed that July’s level of stress decreased, and is approximately now equal to the long-term average.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The rollbacks apply to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which often help people of color, LGBTQ students and low-income residents have equal access to educational opportunities.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By definition, an 'audit' must be neutral and objective.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 5 Sep. 2025
  • At first look, naming wars after their location, participants, starting date or duration might appear to be an exercise in objective detachment.
    Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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