equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt How to pronounce equate (audio)
ˈē-ˌkwāt
equated; equating
Synonyms of equate

transitive verb

1
a
: to make equal : equalize
b
: to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard or obtain a correct result
2
: to treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable
equates disagreement with disloyalty

intransitive verb

: to correspond as equal

Synonyms of equate

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Examples of equate in a Sentence

You shouldn't equate those two things. a value system that equates money with success
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The study’s authors are careful to frame Qurayyah Painted Ware as an example of ancient brand-making, rather than directly equating it with a modern multinational brand. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Others on Wall Street, however, see higher levels of risk, equating Meta's case to Big Tobacco in the 1990s when tobacco companies had to pay billions for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Many may equate Waymo cars with the white fleet originally seen around town. — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 There may be a little more gray in Grohl’s goatee, but don’t equate that with waning stamina. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin aequatus, past participle of aequare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of equate was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing equate

Rhymes for equate

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Browse Nearby Words

equatable
equate
equated date
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Cite this Entry

“Equate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

equate

verb
i-ˈkwāt How to pronounce equate (audio)
equated; equating
: to make or treat as equal or equivalent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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