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Definition of equalnext
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equal

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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

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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
Hope for a more empathetic, more cooperative, more peaceful, more equal, more united society. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Enacted in 1972, the law has revolutionized women's sports by requiring equal treatment for male and female athletes, including proportional scholarship funding and equal facilities. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 June 2026
Noun
Pernod’s offer, while billed as a merger of equals, gave rise to thorny issues that the two sides couldn’t square. Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 7 May 2026 Lesch plays the savior’s anguished betrayer not as an intellectual equal who fiercely debates him and loses all patience with the movement. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Verb
According to Missouri Lottery, retailers that sell winning Scratcher and Draw Games tickets receive a bonus that equals 2% of the prize up to $600 by meeting certain game and sales criteria. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 The truth known at the edges of organizations does not always equal what's visible at the executive level. Bypaul L. Gunn, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • But history shows that technology alone does not deliver equitable outcomes.
    Marjorie Parker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • As climate change increasingly shapes our daily lives, LGBTQ+ communities deserve a seat at the table, not only because we are affected by these challenges, but because our perspectives can help build more equitable and resilient solutions.
    Isabella Montealegre, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The lineup is essentially identical to that of the nation's game against Croatia on Tuesday.
    NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • An employee running fifty unchecked queries looks identical, on a dashboard, to one running five after working the problem first.
    Juliette Han, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is also an abundance of suitable training facilities in the region, which is in the circuit of MLS preseason destinations.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The modular, and containerized electromagnetic aircraft launch system is capable of deploying drones from almost any suitable location.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • While uniform cubes are suited for an elegant, composed presentation, torn croutons are a humble upgrade for nearly everything else where a little contrast is welcome.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • More than two decades since the Concorde supersonic airliner last took to the skies, NASA has been flying an experimental aircraft designed to replace loud sonic booms with a quieter thump equivalent to a car door slamming shut 20 feet away.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
  • In 2014 she was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, for services to the arts and to charity.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • After deciding on the right type of pet, start the adoption process and lean on shelter staff to help match you with an animal that fits your lifestyle.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
  • Tim Edwards, Cal Fire Local 2881 president, says that the current salary calculation formula, which matches firefighter pay with other state workers salaries, does not account for inflation or the amount of overtime state firefighters are working.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • For some women who survived breast cancer that now means systemic hormones such as progesterone, estrogen and testosterone, unheard of for most women a decade ago.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • There is no sudden death or golden goal at the World Cup, which means the full extra-time period will be played no matter how many goals are scored.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The trail can be followed by car, bicycle, or boat, as many roads parallel the route and are marked accordingly.
    Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
  • Attorneys suing Lozano say her rise parallels an exponential increase in visa applications for trafficking and domestic abuse cases.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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