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
But Matt Schulz, LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst, said cost isn’t the only part of the equation when deciding to rent or buy.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
These equations represent phenomena that vary across space but not time, such as the pressure of water flowing through rock, the distribution of stress on a bridge, or the diffusion of nutrients in a tumor.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
There’s some anticipated relief ahead, however, that could change the equation further.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
About two years after the launch of audiobooks on Spotify, the company is bringing physical books into the equation.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for equation
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Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
These equations represent phenomena that vary across space but not time, such as the pressure of water flowing through rock, the distribution of stress on a bridge, or the diffusion of nutrients in a tumor.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
There’s some anticipated relief ahead, however, that could change the equation further.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
About two years after the launch of audiobooks on Spotify, the company is bringing physical books into the equation.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 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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