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 In Atlanta, cultural leaders and innovators emphasized storytelling, travel, and equitable partnerships as keys to reconnecting Africa and the Diaspora. Essence, 23 Sep. 2025 There haven’t been enough efforts to ensure equitable access for Native people. Suzette Brewer, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share proven data design strategies and explain how these practices can help create safer, more equitable AI systems that businesses and users can trust. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 The goal, Scott said, is to make mass transportation easier and more equitable. Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • People trusted him … as very impartial, middle of the road.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Young people themselves seem to want to have this more expansive, impartial information about reproduction.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Productivity doesn’t always equal value.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The energy was palpable, as Cardi commanded the crowd with equal amounts of humor and swagger.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Defamation concerns false statements that are couched as factual and objective.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The study’s large sample size and use of objective data strengthen the reliability of these findings.
    Jack McNamara, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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