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 criteria are: crime per capita in the community; pedestrian and traffic safety concerns; traffic congestion; equitable access; support for military families; whether a school program meets magnet criteria, which often require bus routes; and school and/or community request or preference. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025 These efforts would not only help to move toward rectifying historical inaccuracies, but also ensure that AI/AN communities receive equitable health resources and policy attention. Marcos Magaña, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 Tolstoy’s criticisms of injustice and vision of an equitable society retain their relevance and power. Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025 Here’s why: Chicago needs an equitable distribution of affordable housing: The city is extremely segregated by race and income, and our affordable housing is highly clustered in South and West Side neighborhoods. Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • International aid organizations refused to participate in the new system, with deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq saying the plan is not impartial, neutral or independent.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 June 2025
  • But the United Nations says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and it will not be involved. 'PARIAH STATE' As people waited for supplies to arrive, air strikes and tank fire killed at least 50 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Palestinian health authorities said.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The second shoe was roughly equal to a U.S. men's size 14, which impressed the volunteers.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Under the blistering sun, protesters demanded equal rights for trans and gender-nonconforming people.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Proper mild cognitive impairment diagnosis requires a cognitive complaint by the patient or family member, objective evidence of cognitive impairment on testing, preserved independence in daily functioning, and confirmation that the person does not meet criteria for dementia.
    Nawab John Dar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
  • Though my objective portrayals may not appear overtly loving, there is love in the motivation behind them.
    Lydia Davis, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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