1
a(1)
: of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another
(2)
: identical in mathematical value or logical denotation : equivalent
b
: like in quality, nature, or status
c
: like for each member of a group, class, or society
provide equal employment opportunities
2
: regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : impartial
3
: free from extremes: such as
a
: tranquil in mind or mood
b
: not showing variation in appearance, structure, or proportion
4
a
: capable of meeting the requirements of a situation or a task
b
: suitable
bored with work not equal to his abilities
1
: one that is equal
insists that women can be absolute equals with men—
Anne Bernays
Anne Bernays2
: an equal quantity
equaled or equalled; equaling or equalling
1
: to be equal to
especially
: to be identical in value to
2
archaic
: equalize
3
: to make or produce something equal to
Examples of equal in a Sentence
Adjective
an equal number of apples and oranges
We divided the profits into three equal shares.
The play combines tragedy and comedy in equal measure.
The opposing candidate has demanded equal time on television.
The fractions 1/2 and 2/4 are equal.
providing equal opportunities for children of all races
We need to have equal academic standards for male and female students.
Noun
I consider him my equal.
We are all equals here.
Verb
Nothing can ever equal that experience.
See if you can equal that!
a weight lifter attempting to equal his rival's performance
No one can equal him in chess.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jeremy Babener, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Strange, that such extravagance could be found consorting with an equal amount of rot.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 28 July 2025
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
His touring productions, which crisscrossed the country in fleets of trucks, were fully the equal of the shows in London and New York.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Measles outbreak equals another round of misinformation Kate Cronin, Moderna's chief brand officer, talked about the lessons learned in the misinformation that came out of the pandemic.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for equal
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show current usage.
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Adjective
The owners of the pass-through entity receive a state tax credit equal to the amount the entity paid.
—Jeremy Babener, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Strange, that such extravagance could be found consorting with an equal amount of rot.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
Hollywood has long sold a narrow definition of beauty, where being thin equals being wanted.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
His touring productions, which crisscrossed the country in fleets of trucks, were fully the equal of the shows in London and New York.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
Verb
The Bergmans received 15 Oscar nominations for best original song, a total equaled or bettered by only four songwriters in history – Sammy Cahn (26), Johnny Mercer (18), Diane Warren (16) and Paul Francis Webster (16).
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Measles outbreak equals another round of misinformation Kate Cronin, Moderna's chief brand officer, talked about the lessons learned in the misinformation that came out of the pandemic.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for equal
Cite this Entry
“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equal. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
equal
1 of 3 adjective1
a
: exactly the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality
an equal number of apples and oranges
officers of equal rank
of equal importance
b
: identical in mathematical value : equivalent
2
: not varying from one person or part to another
equal job opportunities
equal pressure throughout the system
3
: impartial
equal laws
4
: capable of meeting requirements : sufficient
equal to the task
equally
adverb
equal
2 of 3 noun1
: one that is equal
has no equal at chess
2
: an equal quantity
equal
3 of 3 verb
equaled or equalled; equaling or equalling
1
: to be equal to
2
: to produce something equal to : match
see if you can equal that!
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