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equal

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noun

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
As the Rock Hall always explains in the fine print, the results of the fan vote are exactly equal to one ballot, in total — that tally counting no more or less than the 1,200 votes cast by industry insiders who participate in the election by invitation only. Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025 Her glowing and freshly oiled skin effortlessly catches the light, playing off her lacquered purple lips and vivid green eyelids for a look that’s equal parts daring and divine. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Of course, being C-eligible but not having to catch is an edge, but last year — and going back a bit further — nobody thought Willson Contreras was the equal of either Smith or Realmuto. Gene McCaffrey, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 Ancient communities of equals have seen the same success as those led by a king, but as time goes on, each form of governance eventually changes. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
That figure jumped to 82.9 per cent last season, which helped equal their record for headed goals in a league season, and then 91.6 per cent in their first 31 matches this term. Art De Roché, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Just remember, cozy and familiar don’t equal clean. Matt Fuchs, Time, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • The Culture community aimed at creating equitable business pathways for Black and Brown professionals.
    Brianne Garrett, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Like his Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, who spearheaded trade reform, Roosevelt understood that tariffs were a tax on poor and working Americans and regarded the use of the progressive income tax as a much more equitable—and economically advantageous—means of raising revenue.
    Time, Time, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After the meeting wrapped, the three companies issued nearly identical statements.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annika Kim Constantino,Leslie Josephs,Ari Levy,Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,Hugh Son,Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Spirit 70’s hood wears a version of the Porsche crest nearly identical to the badging used in 1963.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Midsize electric grills suitable for indoor/outdoor use are generally between 26-34 inches wide and can fit at least 10 burgers at a time.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This intelligent filtering ensures that only the most suitable candidates proceed to interviews, significantly accelerating recruitment cycles and reducing biases. 4.
    Tarun Eldho Alias, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused.
    Michael McFall, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What to know about Mega Millions To score the jackpot in the Mega Millions, a player must match all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball.
    Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The Retreat Linen Top and matching Mid-rise Shorts, both over 40 percent off, can be styled together for a polished resort outfit or worn separately with basics for casual, everyday wear.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This means every resume review or coaching session reduces the amount of time available with the coaches.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • With Ward and Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart going in Thursday’s first round, that means five QBs have heard their names before Sanders.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sold mostly in Mexico City in late 1977 and 1978, the cards parallel the 1977 Topps set issued in the United States, but with team names and card backs translated into Spanish.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The lessons for our lives and parallels to being an entrepreneur are many.
    Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most golf fans with no real allegiance were rooting for McIlroy to complete the Slam after more than a decade of failures at Augusta National, just as most impartial baseball fans rooted for the 2016 Cubs to beat Cleveland and end their 107-year championship drought.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The surprise move marked another unexpected twist in a long-running drama at the state Capitol as the state’s electric utilities battle fiercely against Gillett, a Simsbury attorney who critics say acts like a consumer advocate instead of an impartial utility regulator.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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