equivalent 1 of 2

Definition of equivalentnext
as in counterpart
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value that huge mansion at the end of the street is the equivalent of five ordinary houses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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equivalent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word equivalent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equivalent are equal, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When would equal be a good substitute for equivalent?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivalent, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

Where would identical be a reasonable alternative to equivalent?

Although the words identical and equivalent have much in common, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equivalent?

Same may imply and selfsame always implies that the things under consideration are one thing and not two or more things.

took the same route
derived from the selfsame source

How does the word very relate to other synonyms for equivalent?

Very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

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 equivalent
Noun
Liquid detergent is also significantly heavier than its equivalent in detergent sheets—up to 94% on a per-load basis. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 In cybersecurity, the equivalent appears when over-aggressive controls lock out real users, isolate healthy services, kill critical processes or trigger cascading operational disruption. Abhik Biswas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
No equivalent framework exists today for shadow fleet enforcement. John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 That’s roughly equivalent to the amount of power needed to power 60,000 homes during peak usage, according to estimates from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • While smaller than its counterparts in Orange County or the San Gabriel Valley, the San Fernando Valley has a strong Vietnamese community with churches, temples, civic organizations and even a small magazine, Ma said.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • But that belief doesn’t appear to align with reality, as according to recent studies, women may receive significantly less in Social Security benefits than their male counterparts.
    Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Australian Productivity Commission proposed a similar wide-ranging TDM exception to cover AI model training, citing comparable exceptions in Japan and Singapore.
    Zoey Forbes, The Dial, 7 July 2026
  • County officials kept comparable county manager salaries in the metro area in mind when making their decision, Jebens-Singh said.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • While some states allow residents to package sharps in secure containers and throw them away in household trash, Massachusetts takes a different approach.
    Irina Butler, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Enjoy socializing and talking to people from different backgrounds.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Through a series of acrylic paintings, Gardner explores intimate connections between parents and children, partners and siblings, inviting viewers to identify themselves within his signature faceless figures.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The event drew people like Carmichael resident Melanie Groth and her partner.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Quantum versions of many classic math problems also come with analogous quantum proofs.
    Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026
  • Moreover, the timeline for doing all this is roughly analogous as well – a matter of weeks, once the fissile material is in hand.
    Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite these complexities, active carriers maintain powerful air wings with F/A-18 Super Hornets and other advanced aircraft.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • For reasons that remain unclear, he was subsequently approved to be moved in with other detainees.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ganfield said there was a flash, similar to when a grenade goes off in a film.
    Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Space has spent decades in a similar space, as a technology that is impressive but not yet ordinary, but that may finally be changing.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • But one mistake from a substitute keeper, and the Red Devils are out of the World Cup.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
  • Canada’s World Cup ended with Davies making just one substitute appearance in five games.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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