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 Similarly, in February 2022, then-CEO Matt Ryerson told Knox News that United Way created a DEI position so the organization could better focus on equitable systems internally and externally. Tyler Whetstone, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 Precisely for this reason, in such challenging environments, innovation is not just an opportunity but an indispensable tool to close historical gaps and ensure more equitable access to health care. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Researchers determined the rankings in this category based on metrics like inclusivity, community well-being, elderly care, healthcare quality, and equitable access to safe environments. Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025 Organizations are wise to plan for an RTO approach that is clear and equitable, rather than leaving things to chance Because clarity on why people should come to the office--and guidelines on when, where and how--affect everything from attraction and retention to engagement and productivity. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Check impartial sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Consumer FInancial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to ensure that the feedback given to your potential debt settlement company is legitimate.
    Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Both roles involve significant fiduciary obligations, including managing property prudently, avoiding conflicts of interest, making impartial decisions among beneficiaries, and adhering to the terms and intentions of the governing legal documents.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Reciprocal tariffs are meant to place U.S. tariffs equal to those experienced by U.S. goods imported into that region.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Connecticut holds a record-setting $4.1 billion budget reserve, commonly known as its rainy day fund, an amount equal to 18% of annual operating costs.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • To ensure your feedback is constructive, be specific and objective.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This process ensured a consistent and objective methodology across all seven systems.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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