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 The system needs to be addressed first and foremost, Shepherd says, pointing to better training for medical professionals on inherent bias and equitable care. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026 The lack of policy directly aimed at supporting women in the workplace alongside transparency in promotions and pay hinder an equitable workforce, Milton said. Alison Saldanha, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026 This democratic process gives residents citywide a voice, ensures equitable access to participation and funding, and brings underrepresented groups to the table. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2026 AffirmedRx’s Chief Information Officer, Laurel Cipriani, brings a unique clinical and technological perspective to this challenge, emphasizing that innovation with responsibility at its core leads to better protection against harm and more equitable access to care. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Minnesota officials have demanded the administration cooperate with state and local investigators in the probe of the two killings, but the White House has refused, leading Democrats to warn the administration is unlikely to conduct a fair and impartial investigation.
    Jordan Erb, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Gurulé said statements like that erode the public’s confidence that investigations are impartial.
    Claudia Lauer, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On the oil front, companies should be granted equal rights to invest, rather than privileging business figures linked to the regime, as recent hydrocarbon law changes appear to do.
    Juan Pablo Spinetto, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026
  • This time, specific references were stripped away, leaving only a distillation of the dark rage evoked by metal and punk, equal parts elemental and contrived.
    Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Share your objective achievements, and frame them in a way that benefits the team and moves the conversation forward.
    Chris Lipp, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Self-reports may offer clues, but don’t pass objective muster.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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