equation
noun
equa·tion
i-ˈkwā-zhən 
also -shən
1
a
: the act or process of equating
b(1)
: an element affecting a process : factor
(2)
: a complex of variable factors
c
: a state of being equated
specifically
: a state of close association or identification
To bring governmental enterprises and payment for them into immediate equation … —
R. G. Tugwell
R. G. Tugwell 2
a
: a usually formal statement of the equality or equivalence of mathematical or logical expressions
b
: an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols
Examples of equation in a Sentence
the equation of material wealth with happiness
Recent Examples on the Web
With its black wheels, black trim, and dark exterior accents, the Nightshade edition adds a bit of stealth attitude to the equation.
—Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Instead of teaching students how to write a coherent paragraph, solve basic equations, or understand American history, schools seem to be more focused on pulling students into organized activism on some of the most divisive political issues in the country.
—Courtney Corbello, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Those tend to hit both sides of the equation at once, slowing growth while raising prices, and eventually wash out.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
For me, though, the dark-comedy half of the equation goes a long way.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for equation
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Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Instead of teaching students how to write a coherent paragraph, solve basic equations, or understand American history, schools seem to be more focused on pulling students into organized activism on some of the most divisive political issues in the country.
—Courtney Corbello, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Those tend to hit both sides of the equation at once, slowing growth while raising prices, and eventually wash out.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
For me, though, the dark-comedy half of the equation goes a long way.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for equation
Cite this Entry
“Equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
equation
noun
equa·tion
i-ˈkwā-zhən
also -shən
1
: the act or process of equating : the state of being equated
2
a
: a statement of the equality of two mathematical expressions
b
: an expression involving chemical symbols for a chemical reaction
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