equivalent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of equivalentnext
as in counterpart
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value that huge mansion at the end of the street is the equivalent of five ordinary houses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

equivalent

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in comparable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in different

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word equivalent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equivalent are equal, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When would equal be a good substitute for equivalent?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivalent, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

Where would identical be a reasonable alternative to equivalent?

Although the words identical and equivalent have much in common, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equivalent?

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 equivalent?

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 equivalent
Adjective
This is nearly equivalent to the amount of enriched uranium imported from Russia that year. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 June 2025 Released in September, the set has earned 25,000 equivalent album units to date. —Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 6 June 2025 The equivalent part for the Switch OLED costs 16,500 yen. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025 Almost all More Than Words graduates go on to earn a high school diploma or equivalent degree, according to the organization’s data. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent
  1. counterpart
  2. comparable
  3. different
  4. analogous
  5. other
  6. similar
  7. corresponding
  8. alternative
Noun
  • The shop's baklava looks drier and more structured than the other Antep counterpart.
    — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • And while not everything at Costco is a deal, certain foods consistently offer better value than their grocery store counterparts.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of counterpart
Adjective
  • Beyond this, the study also showed that owning a dog, or even a cat, significantly boosts human life satisfaction and well-being, to a degree comparable to the impact of family and friends.
    — Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • Our concern with this umbrella is that the materials seem slightly more cheaply made and less durable than comparable models.
    — Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
Definition of comparable
Adjective
  • In biology, sometimes many different molecules can do the same job.
    — Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • Granted, the level of opponents was different this time around, but still, there is a risk this could be considered a setback.
    — Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Definition of different
Adjective
  • In our model, the flow of traffic over a network of roads is analogous to the flow of fluids over a surface—motions that are governed by the laws of fluid dynamics.
    — Steve Nadis, Wired News, 1 June 2025
  • What remain enduringly relevant are the book’s insights into the nature of design innovation, which Jencks described as analogous to biological evolution, a constant flow of emergent, divergent, and convergent streams.
    — Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Definition of analogous
Adjective
  • The wide-ranging punishments for such sinful behavior could include a prohibition on wearing gold and other precious jewelry, as well as large tithes to monastic orders and the poor.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 2025
  • Manage stress: Try breathing exercises or meditation to relieve stress. Reduce screen time: Take breaks from computers, phones, and other devices.
    — Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Definition of other
Adjective
  • During the conversation, the actress floated her theory as to why Full House clicked, and continues to click, with audiences more so than other similar shows of the era.
    — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 13 June 2025
  • The victim’s boyfriend, who was interviewed on the scene, gave police a similar account, according to court documents.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
Definition of similar
Adjective
  • In recent weeks, Trump administration officials have been publicizing Abrego Garcia's interactions with police over the years, despite a lack of corresponding criminal charges.
    — Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • In a typical employer-employee relationship, the employer pays a portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, and the employee pays a corresponding portion.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of corresponding
Adjective
  • In the Coastal Commission’s letter to the mayor, the agency also requested that the city explore alternative ways to fund the maintenance of the fire rings and public restrooms.
    — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
  • If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 7 June 2025
Definition of alternative

Browse Nearby Words

equivalency
equivalent
equivalently
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Cite this Entry

“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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