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
This was the filmic equivalent of the destruction of the Library of Alexandria. Tim Page, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026 The Ukrainian attacks on the sprawling Russian warehouses produced stark images, with massive pillars of black smoke rising above fires that raged at facilities of Wildberries, the country’s biggest online retailer and its equivalent of Amazon. Dasha Litvinova, Fortune, 24 July 2026
Adjective
In just 10 days, the campaign generated media buzz that Nestlé’s analysts estimate would have cost $224 million if the brand had paid for the equivalent advertising. Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 July 2026 The pledge calls for at least 40 hours of nutrition training, or an equivalent competency requirement, for students entering this fall. Lewis S. Nelson, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
Noun
  • The rice flour adds a nutty flavor while allowing for an open crumb, making the pancake feel lighter than its viral counterparts.
    Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026
  • Both figures are larger than their respective Watch 8 counterparts (325mAh for the 40mm and 435mAh for the 44mm), but the Watch 9 has the same 30-hour battery estimate as its predecessor.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Taking 4 million barrels off the market would be roughly comparable to the amount that China stopped importing during the war – an action oil analysts say has helped keep energy prices relatively low despite the record-smashing oil supply shock.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The system is still expanding, but new units are contributing more of the overall growth as comparable sales moderate.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • That proposal calls for allowing a citizen in family court to ask for a different judge without having to provide a reason.
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The sky-high payments could be caused by a lot of different things — buyers wanting big cars, low credit scores pushing monthly payments higher or high credit scores allowing for bigger loans.
    Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • There’s one song that Michael Sanders and I, and my other writing partner Michael Ciro, wrote together that was really interesting.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • In April, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA reported that the district had over 200 teaching vacancies.
    Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The companies describe the technology as analogous to Global Entry for international travelers, in that pre-verified goods move through compliance checks faster because customs isn’t starting a full risk review every time.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
  • Any autonomous physical unit must demonstrate something at least analogous to an understanding of the laws of the physical world.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Big Bend Sector has not experienced the high number of border crossings seen in recent years in other areas farther south along the Rio Grande or in Arizona or California, owing to the remote and challenging terrain on both sides of the border.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Today, some bright spots aside, the Art Deco District’s historic commercial spine is a drab length of vacant and unkempt storefronts, smoke shops, liquor stores, fast-food outlets, cheap T-shirt emporia and other varieties of tourist trap.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lawsuit attacks diversity efforts The lawsuit comes amid a broader crackdown on diversity initiatives nationwide as conservatives argue similar programs treat white people unfairly.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Across the pond, All-Star Games don’t exist, and there really aren’t any similar types of contests.
    Kamran Nia July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 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 30 Jul. 2026.

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