equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz 

equalized; equalizing

transitive verb

1

: to make equal

2

a

: to compensate for

b

: to make uniform

especially : to distribute evenly or uniformly

equalize the tax burden

c

: to adjust or correct the frequency characteristics of (an electronic signal) by restoring to their original level high frequencies that have been attenuated

intransitive verb

chiefly British : to tie the score

equalization

ˌē-kwə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• balance
• equate
• even
• level

Examples of equalize in a Sentence

They are hoping to equalize pay for workers with similar jobs.

Educational opportunities have not yet equalized.

trying to equalize the pressure

Recent Examples on the Web

Host a family retreat, hire an independent consultant, and use life insurance to equalize inheritance. —Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

The host then equalized in the 83rd minute courtesy of Andri Guðjohnsen to set up a frantic end to the game. —Ben Church, CNN, 15 Oct. 2024

Shifting the area rugs and furniture around occasionally can equalize the UV exposure while slowing the overall fading of the wood floor. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2024

For the first time since the 2012 Olympic semifinal, Team USA did not lead at halftime, instead tied 25-25 thanks to a late layup from former UConn star Napheesa Collier to equalize it. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz 

equalized; equalizing

1

: to make equal

2

: to make uniform

especially : to distribute evenly

equalization

ˌē-kwə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

equalizer

ˈē-kwə-ˌlī-zər

noun