Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective equitable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of equitable are dispassionate, fair, impartial, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

Where would dispassionate be a reasonable alternative to equitable?

The synonyms dispassionate and equitable are sometimes interchangeable, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

When might fair be a better fit than equitable?

While the synonyms fair and equitable are close in meaning, fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is it sensible to use impartial instead of equitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to equitable, impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

In what contexts can just take the place of equitable?

In some situations, the words just and equitable are roughly equivalent. However, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

When would objective be a good substitute for equitable?

The words objective and equitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When can unbiased be used instead of equitable?

Although the words unbiased and equitable have much in common, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

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 equitable Unexpected new initiatives from these newcomers could shift perceptions of space from something to dominate and possess to something more inclusive, equitable and democratic. Tony Milligan, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2025 The mental load was never equitable in her relationship, Connell said. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 Through powerful storytelling, grant support, scholarships and creative awards, Gucci Changemakers strives to drive meaningful change, fostering a positive impact while creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 31 July 2025 Late director Albert Maysles founded the MDC to foster documentary films that spotlight the push for a more equitable world. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Below is the full text of Pearlman’s original LinkedIn post: Al Jazeera Media Network (Arabic) is not a legitimate news organisation, but the propaganda arm of Hamas, bankrolled by Qatar, staffed not by impartial reporters but by terrorist sympathisers & in some cases, actual terrorists.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
  • By crossing this line, Trump risks politicizing monetary policy at a time when the economy demands impartial decision-making.
    Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Left behind was a leaderboard filled with red numbers in a tournament that has a $40 million purse in official money for the top 30 players, all of them with an equal chance.
    Doug Ferguson, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2025
  • But only if those investments come with an equal commitment to safety, security, and transparency.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This leads to faster and more objective forecasting.
    Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Approaches should be used to establish unbiased, objective, fair districts, such as excluding party affiliation, race, and national origin from criteria.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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