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 experience of liking seems to be triggered by different neurotransmitters, most likely endorphins and endocannabinoids (the natural equivalents of heroin and cannabis, respectively). Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026 Comparing the counties by hourly equivalent, among those five counties, Sacramento earn the most at around $88 an hour while El Dorado would earn about $41 an hour with the raise, nearly $5 more than Amador and $8 less than Yolo. Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The association offers mental health counseling, family therapy, medication management and telehealth visits, all free to individuals and families with an annual household income below a certain threshold, equivalent to $99,000 or less for a family of four. Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 One gigawatt is roughly equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to power approximately 750,000 homes. Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • The Chinese authorities reportedly turned down the idea, preferring instead to deal with European leaders one by one, and Macron agreed to come without his EU counterpart.
    Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Lower earners historically see higher rates of inflation than their better-off counterparts, said Morgan Stanley economist Heather Berger.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Regardless, a population of 213 unsheltered homeless people is comparable to, if somewhat higher than, the totals found in unincorporated areas during recent point-in-time counts, a separate method for quantifying the crisis that takes place once a year.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The average salary of a state employee in Oklahoma is significantly lower than comparable jobs in other sectors, according to a study by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.
    Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom has left a lot of people scrambling in different ways.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Woodblock plans to work with leading animation studios from around the world to animate episodes that feature creatures from different countries and regions.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Testimony from a neighbor and the men's romantic partners also did not support the agent's account that he had been attacked with a broom or shovel or that a third person was involved.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Related Stories Kahuam, who co-wrote the pic with producing partner Anthony Pallino, had nothing but appreciation for his team.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The possibility of the Justice Department releasing the emails upon Congressional order seven years later would have been an unlikely scenario for Karp to imagine, though ironically there was an analogous set of circumstances in the Gruden case.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Inoculation theory proposes that psychological inoculation – analogous to getting a medical vaccination – can immunize people against persuasive attacks.
    Bingbing Zhang, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Acclaimed Black music artists like Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn and Cab Calloway stopped at Dooky Chase's post-performance, unable to patronize other establishments.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • While 657 classified positions have been identified for closure, the district spokesperson said the final number of layoffs has not yet been determined and is expected to be lower due to retirements and other personnel moves.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Though not a comforter, this three-piece quilt set packs a similar cloud-like comfort thanks to its 100 percent cotton material that is light as a feather, wicks away moisture, and feels smooth to the touch.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
  • There haven’t been any similar incidents recently, Azarcon said, but the Police Department wanted to draw attention to potential risks as graduation season nears.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Brown slowly migrated back into what is now a full-time sports reporting job, except for the occasional substitute role as a news anchor.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The 21-year-old has started just three Premier League games and made seven substitute appearances in half a season at Molineux, and has made minimal impact under current head coach Rob Edwards.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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