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 That would be more realistic, equitable and fiscally responsible than promising higher taxes on just the wealthy, or opting just to run bigger deficits. Allison Schrager, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025 This organization focuses on building power for Black Minnesotans through leadership development, political education, and access to equitable jobs and housing. Rod Adams, Essence, 25 May 2025 If financing for new innovation requires equitable access to the new technologies that are developed, many people in poor countries may get access to vaccines much more quickly in the next pandemic. Nicole Hassoun, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 The solution is not to curb wealth itself but to safeguard the integrity of political institutions and ensure equitable access to public goods. Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, while Islamabad denied involvement and called for an impartial international investigation.
    Zia ur-Rehman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • They were asked to fill out questionnaires gauging their familiarity with the case and ability to be fair and impartial.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • At the center is Cooper’s staggering performance, which is enraging, emotional, horrifying, and heartbreaking in equal measure.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 29 May 2025
  • Hoka has long been my go-to for sneakers that are equal parts supportive and stylish, and now one of the brand’s best-sellers, the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers, are up to 35 percent off at Zappos in nine colorways.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The idea that there are no objective facts, only perceptions, has gained currency in recent decades.
    James T. Kloppenberg, Time, 28 May 2025
  • In this reality, truth becomes less about objective absolutes and more about process.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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