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 The couple was honored by the nonprofit for their efforts to build a safer, more equitable online world for families and youth, in addition to their contributions to advance mental well-being worldwide. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 The program, alongside the Building Bridges Completion Fund, is a part of Sundance Institute’s Artist Accelerator Program, which works with artists and industry to create a more transparent, equitable and sustainable independent film and television ecosystem. Giana Levy, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025 Last season, with a more equitable split, Theodore kept up the same level of performance and production. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Others wrung riches from the network; Berners-Lee assumed the mantle of moral authority, fighting to safeguard the web’s openness and promote equitable access. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • In a supporting document filed by Kalshi in the Nevada case in April, Kalshi head of markets Xavier Sottile noted how ErisX, a predecessor to the current sports prediction market craze, previously butted up against the impartial access issue.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Such changes do more than convey impartial information.
    Stephanie A, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The bank upgraded the wafer fab equipment maker to overweight from equal weight and hiked its price target to $1,200 from $750.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In 1918, Soviet women were given the right to higher education, equal pay, no-fault civil divorce, child support (including for children born out of wedlock), paid maternity leave, and access to free maternity hospitals.
    Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Making union registration swift, objective, and transparent would demonstrate genuine respect for the rule of law – and for the workers whose labor drives Cambodia’s growth.
    Sourcing Journal, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Overseeing the district superintendent and treasurer are among the most important roles a school board plays, and this responsibility needs to be taken seriously with objective standards, transparently applied.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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