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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
The cleared area in front of the slide should extend a distance equal to the height of the slide platform. Dr. Julie Gilchrist, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025 Amid all the changes, Americans are feeling increasingly pessimistic about gains in racial justice, if any, since 2020 and the possibility that Black Americans will ever have equal rights, according to Kiana Cox, a senior researcher at Pew Research Center. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Noun
Tribal leaders have long labored to be treated as equals by American politicians. Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 That’s a nonconsensual, unequal form of interdependence, and the goal was a world where partners can meet as equals. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
But in China, India, and Vietnam, use of the energy source has surged during the same period with growth rates equaling 6.9%, 9.9%, and 25% respectively. Michael Franco may 16, New Atlas, 16 May 2025 The math is simple—as more Americans get back to work, higher employment equals higher payroll tax receipts which Medicare and Social Security depend on. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for equal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal
Adjective
  • However, experts agree this is one step closer to a more equitable and accessible approach to Alzheimer’s care.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 May 2025
  • In the first few years, the unequal access to vaccines was one of the biggest challenges, with one study finding that up to half the COVID-19 deaths in many lower income countries could have been avoided with a more equitable supply of vaccines.
    Simon Williams, Time, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • That said, Target has a nearly identical bag, shape and all.
    Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 29 May 2025
  • While the top-spec Ultra model features a carbon-fiber frame and front suspension, the Track Edition has a visually identical frame made of 6061 aluminum and is a pure hardtail with no suspension.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders.
    Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Mexican side looked more composed in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities, especially after Sarah Luebbert (former Chicago Red Stars and University of Missouri standout) came on as a substitute and threatened Gotham’s defense.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Today Diddy seemed more composed, though how long that will last is TBD.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Unlike last season, when the top-four seeds and first-round byes were reserved for conference champions, the top seeds will match the selection committee’s final rankings, with no regard to league affiliation.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • One set of trousers and underwear matched Mulcahy’s DNA, and the other matched Duffy’s, corroborating his confession.
    Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The reality is that siphoning road dollars for public transit would mean that critical projects to repair functionally obsolete bridges and unsafe roads in Cook County and across the state would no longer proceed as planned.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • That means traveling on weekdays and taking the deal-seeking approach.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • The Times spoke with Chang and Tuchman about the real world parallels and bringing the series to its conclusion with Miller, who wrote the finale.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Biden's battle with cancer parallels former president Richard Nixon's near-fatal bout of phlebitis just after his August 9, 1974, resignation over the Watergate scandal.
    Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, while Islamabad denied involvement and called for an impartial international investigation.
    Zia ur-Rehman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • They were asked to fill out questionnaires gauging their familiarity with the case and ability to be fair and impartial.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equal. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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