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 There is a multi-scene conversation about equitable pay. Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 17 May 2025 Health First Indiana was established to help local health departments address health challenges and make health care equitable to all, Vavilala said. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025 This conversation looks at why representation in Hollywood still matters, the progress made, the challenges ahead, and how industry leaders can help shape a more equitable narrative landscape. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 16 May 2025 Opinion Lisa Thurau is the founder and executive director of Strategies for Youth, a national policy and training organization based in Cambridge dedicated to improving law enforcement and youth interactions through developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and equitable training. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, while Islamabad denied involvement and called for an impartial international investigation.
    Zia ur-Rehman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • They were asked to fill out questionnaires gauging their familiarity with the case and ability to be fair and impartial.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The film’s blank spaces and ambiguities linger even after a melodramatic pivot that’s easily seen coming, and will entice and confound viewers in equal measure.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025
  • Still, the overall vibe in Capital One Arena was laced with equal parts sadness and optimism, and that made sense.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Stop wasting taxpayer money trying to close and redevelop an airport that two independent, objective studies have concluded benefits the area and should remain open.
    Craig A. Raabe, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2025
  • Efforts to politicize objective research on LGBTQ youth mental health are nothing new.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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