equivalent 1 of 2

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 1999-2000 revenue level was equivalent to $16,339 in 2024 dollars. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025 People who consumed the highest levels of certain artificial sweeteners — equivalent to just one diet soda a day — saw a significant decline in their ability to remember and recall words when compared to people who consumed the lowest levels, a new study found. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Widely regarded as fashion’s equivalent to the Oscars, the annual ceremony celebrates outstanding creative and business achievements while serving as one of the industry’s most important networking and philanthropic events. Essence, 4 Sep. 2025 In summer months, locals and visitors love scalloping, the underwater equivalent of a giant Easter egg hunt. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • Zoo life can be a lux experience for these Arizonan species, but for their wild counterparts living in the Sonoran desert, there is no escape from the region’s extreme heat and extended drought.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Along with the Cannes Film Festival, Venice has soared in popularity and notoriety as their North American counterparts — most notably Toronto and Sundance — have struggled to remain relevant.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Israeli F-15s had no comparable missile to the Phoenix at that time.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Neither quarterback lit the world on fire as a rookie, though Maye posted comparable -- if not better -- stats to Williams with less playing time.
    Michael Hurley, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The company also showed off the Max10 Ultra, a hybrid robot vacuum that can automatically swap between three different sets of mop heads based on the flooring type.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Plenty of thought clearly also went into creating the right ambience from the moment the team bus pulls up behind the West Stand judging by the different lighting and imagery used to shift the mood as the players pass through the bowels of the arena.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It can also be explained from basic scientific principles and is roughly analogous to the way a dry surface, such as pavement, warms more than a moist surface, such as soil, on a hot, sunny day.
    Nadir Jeevanjee, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Consider the analogous case of GPS navigation and spatial cognition.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lopez noted and mocked Johnson’s comments, sarcastically asking why the mayor didn’t blame it on other historic phenomena.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Both have spoken, as field athletes in cricket-dominant countries, about similar challenges around facilities, finances and support.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Sinner had similar problems here and came into the contest with a 57 percent reading.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 30-year-old has gone from being fourth-choice goalkeeper at Wolves, making one substitute appearance in his two seasons at Molineux, to third-choice at Everton.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
  • However, critics say just about anyone could claim to be a substitute caregiver under the legislation’s loose definition, thereby potentially endangering children rather than protecting them.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Place one knee and the corresponding hand on the bench for support, keeping your back flat and core engaged.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Major contenders in the Emmy races for Outstanding Drama Series, Comedy Series and Limited Series won the trophies in the corresponding casting categories at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, considered a relatively reliable — but not perfect — predictor of the top series winners.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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