Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective equitable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of equitable are dispassionate, fair, impartial, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

Where would dispassionate be a reasonable alternative to equitable?

The synonyms dispassionate and equitable are sometimes interchangeable, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

When might fair be a better fit than equitable?

While the synonyms fair and equitable are close in meaning, fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is it sensible to use impartial instead of equitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to equitable, impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

In what contexts can just take the place of equitable?

In some situations, the words just and equitable are roughly equivalent. However, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

When would objective be a good substitute for equitable?

The words objective and equitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When can unbiased be used instead of equitable?

Although the words unbiased and equitable have much in common, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

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 equitable On his campaign website, King lists a platform focused on equitable growth, public safety, sustainability and transparent government. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025 The awards are given to products that meet a strict set of standards, including having high-quality and locally sourced ingredients, responsible and transparent farming practices, and a safe and equitable workplace environment. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025 Since his amputation, Ahmed has worked to ensure equitable access to prosthetic care for underserved communities, both in Minnesota and globally. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 3 June 2025 The result is a more agile, inclusive and resilient workforce where employees have equitable access to growth. Abakar Saidov, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Her expertise lies in building boards with the right balance of domain expertise and impartial oversight, ensuring alignment between governance and investor confidence.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • While Congress sets the CBO’s priorities, the group prides itself on being objective, impartial, and nonpartisan.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Not surprisingly, Fort Lauderdale has historically been seen — and seen itself — as a vestigial appendage of its southern neighbor rather than an equal force to be respected and reckoned with.
    Peter Lane Taylor, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The former is directly connected to financial assistance offered by a school for a shared and equal fee—the cost of matriculation at the college—while the latter is less about university financial assistance and more about compensation for services or identity use.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The intent of this article is to provide objective information; however, readers should be aware that the author may have a financial interest in the subject matter discussed.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • And all of us—users, voters, citizens—can demand that AI serve science and objective truth, not just correlations.
    Erik Otárola-Castillo, Time, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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