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 Maryland should join them in ensuring equitable access to cranial prostheses. Nathan Kattapuram, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025 These countries maintain high educational standards, equitable funding, and clear accountability measures, resulting in consistently high academic performance. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 Our collective strength is our greatest tool to work toward a more equitable future, and the WRC provides a space for people, especially those who exist in the margins, to find community, hope, and empowerment. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 And that exposure—to both the pros and cons—is far from equitable. Dan Rubinstein, Outside Online, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Maine’s governor never believed her state would receive an impartial investigation.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 11 Mar. 2025
  • There was no sign of keeping things impartial for Shah, who as the ICC chief is meant to be independent and act without bias.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 10 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
  • Economic theory can reveal a lot about political behavior, including how a president enjoys enough support to wield a policy that, all things equal, costs Americans quite a bit of money.
    Bruce Yandle, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to pausing enforcement to collect objective data, Dr. Makary could direct the FDA to allow, if not encourage, independent testing of compounded drugs to assure their quality.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • But by any objective measure, Gavi’s results have been extraordinary not only in terms of the projection of soft U.S. power, but also in terms of the preservation of the vital security interests of America and our allies.
    Seth Berkley, Time, 27 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on equitable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!