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
The sheer scale of an estate for sale in San Francisco’s tony Pacific Heights neighborhood — a residence spanning 26,000 square feet, or the equivalent of 10 average homes — arrests the imagination. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026 In my opinion, every stir-frying lesson should start with this dish, the Chinese equivalent to the French omelette challenge, says Jeremy Pang. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The need for crypto ATMs has declined domestically, according to Strasser, as many people who hold bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies are not using them in a cash-equivalent manner. Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026 The term refers to snow-water equivalent readings that fall below the 20th percentile. Denise Chow, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • French Finance Minister Roland Lescure shrugged off gyrations in the yen after chairing a meeting of his Group of Seven counterparts.
    William Horobin, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The weekly drug is a predecessor to the company's top-selling obesity drug Zepbound and diabetes counterpart Mounjaro.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In a comparable case in the United States in 2023, a federal judge imposed $5,000 fines on two lawyers and a law firm after ChatGPT was blamed for their submission of fictitious legal research in an aviation injury claim.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • At the center of this movement is OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, whose generative AI models represent a general-purpose capability—comparable to the steam engine or electric motor—that can amplify nearly every form of knowledge work.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Riding the Gus Bus Thursday could have been a lot different had Gustavsson not been on his game.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • After the initial burst of celebrity impressions, TikTokers began to approach the trend from different angles.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Quarterback Matthew Stafford against former Rams linebacker Ernest Jones IV, former dueling partners in practice now leading their units against each other.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The United States is always going to be a vital partner.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cash App This app is analogous to Venmo.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
  • This would be analogous to having one arm tied behind your back.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The data included not only tax returns but also investment details, stock trades, gambling winnings, audit determinations, and other financial information.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Services revenue is expected to grow at a year-over-year rate similar to what Apple just reported, so call it about 14%.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Everyone followed a similar sartorial rhythm, in sheer looks, black sparkles, and some cool-toned mint.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Coulibaly only made four substitute appearances for Partick.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Parents can also anticipate which meals and settings are truly challenging for their child and bring a substitute safe meal for the child to consume while at a holiday feast.
    Dr. Ellen S. Rome, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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