Definition of equalnext
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equal

2 of 3

noun

as in equivalent
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value a basketball player who truly has no equal in his sport

Synonyms & Similar Words

equal

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word equal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equal are equivalent, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When might equivalent be a better fit than equal?

In some situations, the words equivalent and equal are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When is identical a more appropriate choice than equal?

The synonyms identical and equal are sometimes interchangeable, but identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equal?

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 equal?

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 equal
Adjective
The city received a complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal law ensuring equal treatment for people with disabilities. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 So, too, have Thaksin’s project to empower the disadvantaged, the military’s nationalist project to restore order and defend the monarchy, and the progressive project to transform Thailand into a more open and equal place. Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Pacers in no way were equals of the Thunder last year, yet came within one game of that title. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026 Beijing didn’t need big tangible outcomes to achieve major wins, like projecting China as an equal to the US on the global stage, and directing the tone of the relationship – including around Taiwan. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
Verb
In Round 3, the bases are loaded and every round scored equals one point. Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Lower premiums equal lower risk, which equals better risk/reward. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • While pay-transparency laws and talent shortages can create more equitable gains for employees, the reality is that wealth gains remain modest at the bottom and substantial at the top.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Zay was seeking immediate equitable relief and asked to be reinstated as commissioner while it was determined if his removal complied with Indiana Code.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Modeling two different chamber sizes To understand how the hardware might scale up, engineers modeled two different chamber sizes under identical test conditions.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The deal is almost identical to an earlier version that circulated in Sacramento last week.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Then, the Valkyries head coach changed her lineup to one suitable to switch on every Liberty offensive set.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • For meat to be considered halal and suitable for consumption by Muslims, animals must be healthy and treated humanely before slaughter.
    Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • Replacement Ryunosuke Ito, plucked from Meiji University, had a composed debut, including laying on a try for Matsunaga, who was five for five off the tee.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Diskin, Easo, Radhakrishnan, Sudakov, and Tassion were trying to work out something fundamental about how graphs — networks of points connected by lines, or edges — can be taken over by large connected areas, the equivalent of pools of fluid.
    Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
  • California Cruise is close to the European equivalent of the Tourer 4Motion camper van Volkswagen already announced for the US market.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Williams ripped off a 49-yard kickoff return in the first preseason game, and that matched his tape from last year.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The soft, stretchy fabric moves with you across terminals without bunching or binding, and because the top and bottom are already matched, getting dressed at the crack of dawn requires zero thought.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Sure, pedicures get more playtime over the summer, but that doesn’t mean your toes don’t deserve the same attention once temperatures drop.
    Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Max leaves less than three hours before the new charter’s arrival, which means that Sandy is immediately on the phone with Norma from Yachting Staffing.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said UMMA’s growth parallels the needs of the city and its neighbors as both evolve.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Another episode, in which the pals attempt to win an award for best bar, parallels the comedy’s perpetual shutout from the Emmy Awards.
    Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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