equitable
adjective
eq·ui·ta·ble
ˈe-kwə-tə-bəl 
1
: having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly with all concerned
an equitable settlement of the dispute
often, specifically
: fair in a way that accounts for and attempts to offset disparities in the way people of different races, genders, etc. are treated
To enable all students to achieve a common set of standards requires equitable—not equal—treatment. —
Karen Humphrey
Karen Humphrey The health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are not equally felt. … Justice-oriented policies would aim for equitable (not equal) distribution of necessary pandemic resources—equitable based on a shared definition of fairness instead of equal, the same across groups. —Gottfried Schweiger
Gottfried Schweiger 2
: existing or valid in equity as distinguished from law
an equitable defense
Examples of equitable in a Sentence
They reached an equitable settlement of their dispute.
fighting for a more equitable distribution of funds
an equitable system of taxation
Recent Examples on the Web
In a statement to Newsweek, WMCHealth said the integration efforts focused on creating a more connected, efficient and equitable system of care across the Hudson Valley.
—Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote that the next mayor can lobby at the state level for more equitable funding for public schools.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Carmen Martinez, director of organizing for Latinas Contra el Cancer, an organization aiming to create an equitable healthcare system for the Latino community, emphasized the necessity of mutual aid.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
Running uncontested to reclaim his seat in Ward 1, Logan Heley is running to help expand housing options for residents in Overland Park, protect the city’s green spaces and promote an accessible and equitable transportation system, according to his website.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equitable
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Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote that the next mayor can lobby at the state level for more equitable funding for public schools.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Carmen Martinez, director of organizing for Latinas Contra el Cancer, an organization aiming to create an equitable healthcare system for the Latino community, emphasized the necessity of mutual aid.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
Running uncontested to reclaim his seat in Ward 1, Logan Heley is running to help expand housing options for residents in Overland Park, protect the city’s green spaces and promote an accessible and equitable transportation system, according to his website.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equitable
Cite this Entry
“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equitable. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
equitable
adjective
eq·ui·ta·ble
ˈek-wət-ə-bəl
: being fair or just
reached an equitable settlement of their dispute
equitableness
noun
Legal Definition
equitable
adjective
eq·ui·ta·ble
ˈe-kwi-tə-bəl
1
: having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally
shall allocate…payments in an equitable manner—U.S. Code
U.S. Code2
: existing or valid in equity or as a matter of equity as distinguished from law
an equitable defense
compare legal sense 4
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