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 Basically, an equitable society where everyone has access to opportunities and quality of life. — Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 Our history has been an ongoing struggle for what is right, what is good and what is equitable. — Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026 General Rob Bonta announced Tuesday that his office is seeking civil penalties and equitable relief against the operators of Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic, accusing them of mismanaging its hazardous waste. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 They were not thrilled that women were allowed on campus, so there was this resistance to enforcing Title IX to becoming more gender equitable. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • An impartial analysis by the Riverbank City Attorney Tom Hallinan found that the measure is potentially unconstitutional, citing conflicts with housing and annexation laws.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Jesus had just been teaching his followers to love even their enemies, pointing toward the impartial love of our heavenly Father.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are trolling road fans in equal measure.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • That’s equal to one third of the total $3 billion she’s helped steward over the years.
    — Kyla Mandel, Time, 9 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The credentialing process itself is objective and requires a security clearance and some other criteria be met that are objective, that have nothing to do with the content or viewpoint of reporting.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Unifying early creative and planning phases with advanced analytics ensures downstream execution is driven by objective market signals rather than isolated guessing.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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