equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

ˈē-ˌkwāt

equated; equating

transitive verb

1

a

: to make equal : equalize

b

: to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard or obtain a correct result

2

: to treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable

equates disagreement with disloyalty

intransitive verb

: to correspond as equal

Synonyms

• compare
• liken

Examples of equate in a Sentence

You shouldn't equate those two things.

a value system that equates money with success

Recent Examples on the Web

The executive order equates these cartels to groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, broadening legal tools for the U.S. to combat cartel operations but raising fears of unintended consequences. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

What does this have to do with equating Anders Breivik, who shot people on some bizarre, deluded mission to rid Norway of Islam, with Nelson Mandela? —David Marchese, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

The intent is to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel, but this move undermines the purpose of these subsidies by equating sustainable practices with fossil fuel-dependent methods for tax subsidy purposes. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

While most fitness and lifestyle creators veer away from equating health and thinness, Schmidt built a platform saying the quiet part out loud, growing a following of 670,000 on TikTok before she was barred from the platform in September. —Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin aequatus, past participle of aequare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing equate

• equate to
• equate with/and

Kids Definition

equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

equated; equating

: to make or treat as equal or equivalent