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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
In today’s attention economy, eyeballs equal money, and prop bets equal eyeballs. Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026 Non-drinkers are given equal consideration. Melinda Joe, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
Before the war, other governments could at least claim to be Washington’s equals. Caleb Pomeroy, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2025 Reczek told Newsweek in an email that one of the primary reasons families become estranged is because adult children aren't treated as equals by their parents. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
So two months’ protection for a two-bedroom unit would equal $5,202; three months would be $7,803. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026 TikTok has latched onto the idea that normal facial bloating equals poor health—and the problem goes far beyond misinformation. Georgia Casey, Allure, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • Health care should be effective, safe, people-centered, timely, equitable, integrated, efficient as well as affordable — not dependent on employment status or political swings.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The council also concluded that, if there was interest in exceeding the 10-week limit, playhouse officials and the city manager could work out an arrangement that would be equitable for all.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The charred layer at the surface is identical to the black leftover log from a campfire.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Its 127-year lineage was verified by the pristine ‘1899’ cork marking, incredibly still visible through the glass — bearing the identical, historical font of the Domaine itself.
    Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition, invest in a professional headshot (often available through career development offices) and begin assembling a versatile professional wardrobe suitable for interviews and a variety of workplace settings.
    Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • This ultimately means that a suitable cathode must still be paired with it to create a complete battery cell.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Comfortable Ride: Adaptive dynamics with the optional air suspension provides a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads and off road trails.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • When the center returned to Minnesota, Finch saw a player who was more composed and sure of how to use his boundless energy within the context of the game.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Booking a room at this hotel in the Nairobi suburbs at the end of a safari is the travel equivalent of leaving yourself a gift under the tree to open at the end of Christmas Day.
    Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The practice is dangerous and largely unregulated, with workers often paid the equivalent of about $18 to $24 for a 10-hour shift.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • According to the researchers, even a few kilometers of difference allows interior models of Jupiter to better match both gravity data and atmospheric observations.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Heading into 2026 the Red Sox look capable of at least matching last year’s club, which finished third in the AL East, made the playoffs and lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The designation would mean no change for the hundreds of private property owners in the zone.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • That means eating pasta, spaghetti sauce, sweet potatoes, frozen fruit and yogurt, while forgoing items like clementines and fresh vegetables.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The fracturing of the television audience parallels the schisms in America’s political culture, with viewers and voters increasingly sheltering in partisan echo chambers.
    Karrin Vasby Anderson, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Today, long segments of many bus lines essentially parallel the subway lines below.
    Jonathan Cohn, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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