commensurate
adjective
com·men·su·rate
kə-ˈmen(t)s-rət 
-ˈmen(t)sh-;
-ˈmen(t)-sə-,
-shə-
1
: corresponding in size, extent, amount, or degree : proportionate
was given a job commensurate with her abilities
2
: equal in measure or extent : coextensive
lived a life commensurate with the early years of the republic
commensurately
adverb
Did you know?
Commensurate comes from the Latin word for the act of measuring, mensūra. That noun is based on mensus, the past participle of the verb mētīrī," meaning "to determine the extent of."
Examples of commensurate in a Sentence
Because the effects of tobacco are slow—and iterative—and produce diseases that have other causes and explanations, often later in life, they seldom arouse fear commensurate with their impact.
—
Allan M. Brandt, The Cigarette Century, (2007) 2009
The last of the string family, the double bass, is the largest of all and must be played standing. Because it is seen in jazz bands, it has recently taken on an importance more nearly commensurate with its size.
—Aaron Copland, What to Listen for in Music, (1957) 1988
… athletes are rewarded commensurate with their fame, not their intrinsic talent …
—Frank Deford, Sports Illustrated, 21 Dec. 1987
I find it interesting that the meanest life, the poorest existence, is attributed to God's will, but as human beings become more affluent, as their living standard and style begin to ascend the material scale, God descends the scale of responsibility at a commensurate speed.
—Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969
Her new position came with a commensurate level of responsibility.
was given a job commensurate with her abilities and experience
Allan M. Brandt, The Cigarette Century, (2007) 2009
The last of the string family, the double bass, is the largest of all and must be played standing. Because it is seen in jazz bands, it has recently taken on an importance more nearly commensurate with its size.
—Aaron Copland, What to Listen for in Music, (1957) 1988
… athletes are rewarded commensurate with their fame, not their intrinsic talent …
—Frank Deford, Sports Illustrated, 21 Dec. 1987
I find it interesting that the meanest life, the poorest existence, is attributed to God's will, but as human beings become more affluent, as their living standard and style begin to ascend the material scale, God descends the scale of responsibility at a commensurate speed.
—Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969
Her new position came with a commensurate level of responsibility.
was given a job commensurate with her abilities and experience
Recent Examples on the Web
Close pay gaps Every organization can introduce compensation structures commensurate with their long-term contribution to the common good.
—Iese Business School, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
The case and dial are in excellent overall condition, showing some wear commensurate with its age.
—Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Under English law, Harry would be required to pay the legal costs of both sides — which could run into the tens of millions of dollars — if the court does not award him an amount commensurate with what News Group Newspapers had offered him in a settlement.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
The vibes in Dallas are commensurate with a fan base that just traded away a five-time First-Team All-NBA superstar at age 25.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commensurate
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Iese Business School, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
The case and dial are in excellent overall condition, showing some wear commensurate with its age.
—Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Under English law, Harry would be required to pay the legal costs of both sides — which could run into the tens of millions of dollars — if the court does not award him an amount commensurate with what News Group Newspapers had offered him in a settlement.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
The vibes in Dallas are commensurate with a fan base that just traded away a five-time First-Team All-NBA superstar at age 25.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commensurate
Cite this Entry
“Commensurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commensurate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
commensurate
adjective
com·men·su·rate
kə-ˈmen(t)s-(ə-)rət
-ˈmench-(ə-)rət
1
: equal in measure or extent
2
: proportional sense 1
an income commensurate with one's needs
commensurately
adverb
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