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
But for routine service, Honda coolant or a quality equivalent is the best choice. John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 The bank estimates that $600 billion will be spent building out AI services this year, the equivalent of 2% of GDP. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Her debut wedding dress sold at auction in 2013 for £121,875—equivalent to $187,000, according to a CBS News report from the time. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026 The group bows atop the chart with 369,000 equivalent album units, with traditional album sales accounting for 357,000 of that sum. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • Republicans control the White House and both branches of Congress, helping bolster their financial coffers against their Democratic counterparts, Martin noted in his remarks.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, the data shows that young adults are still less religious than their older counterparts.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Target is emerging from more than a year of weak or declining comparable sales.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Putting all those aspects together, the country most comparable to Russia, both historically and in the contemporary moment, is not Turkey or Iran but the United States.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • With Taylor trying to show different looks on offense, Burrow was under center on the first four plays and seven overall.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Many different clubs have considered moves for the rangy midfielder over the years, and Atletico came closest to signing him in summer 2024.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The partners will help establish the systems needed to manage one of Australia’s most technically demanding defense programs.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The hotel partners with nearby institutions, including 315 Restaurant & Wine Bar, where guests can charge meals directly to their room, and the Pink Adobe, the longtime Santa Fe favorite, which the Serets purchased in 2022.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For Russia and Ukraine, the analogous deadlock concerns control over the Donbas.
    Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, an analogous gene swap had previously been shown to be nonviable when introduced into ΦX174 through conventional genetic engineering.
    Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Six other co-conspirators who bought remains from Lodge have also pleaded guilty and received sentences.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Cities and smaller communities across the country are competing for remote workers with thousands of dollars in cash, housing assistance, coworking memberships, and other perks designed to make relocating a little easier.
    Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Schore makes a similar distinction when discussing workplace anger.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The side pockets are great for water bottles and similar, while the front pocket and inner pocket securely hold your phone, wallet or other small items that could get lost in the bottom of your back.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Fellow forward Thomas-Asante was used sparingly, making two substitute appearances in Ghana’s four games.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Finally, in minute 106, substitute Ferran Torres scored a goal for Spain, securing them the World Cup victory and denying Argentina a back-to-back win.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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