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 Naperville city should consider broadening their capital investments beyond Downtown Naperville for an equitable growth of tax base around the city. Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 National Black unemployment hit an all-time low in 2023 and remains historically low amid a surprisingly equitable post-COVID economic recovery. Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 Story by contributor Frank Rojas Advocates gather to demand equitable fire recovery for long-time Altadena residents, immigrants and others People packed a Pasadena church last Friday to highlight the needs of domestic workers, seniors, renters and others who lost homes and jobs to the Eaton fire. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 So looking at succession planning processes and saying: Are succession planning for leadership positions within the board also inclusive and equitable? Megan Poinski, Forbes, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for equitable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • The federal courts must push back to protect the application of impartial justice.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Civil rights groups on Friday urged Trump to appoint an impartial leader to head the nation's largest statistical agency, while some fellow researchers said Santos' decision was a sad one for the future of the U.S. Census.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The complaint argues that the order violates equal rights protections, the separation of powers and states' powers to regulate what is not specifically delegated to the federal government.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Europe’s après-ski scene is equal parts style and Aperol.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The National Academies are private, nonprofit organizations created by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to provide the nation with independent, objective advice on complex problems.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Back in government, Trump seems bent on creating a new political reality, where objective truth no longer exists and can be replaced with pure fiction.
    Adam Price, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near equitable

Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

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