equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

ˈē-ˌkwāt

equated; equating

transitive verb

1

a

: to make equal : equalize

b

: to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard or obtain a correct result

2

: to treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable

equates disagreement with disloyalty

intransitive verb

: to correspond as equal

Synonyms

• compare
• liken

Examples of equate in a Sentence

You shouldn't equate those two things.

a value system that equates money with success

Recent Examples on the Web

In a 2022 report, researchers found that less than 1% of flyers chose to offset their carbon footprint when purchasing tickets, and that passengers rarely equated their travel with direct environmental impacts. —New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2024

How Adults Should Reframe Creativity Too many people equate creativity with artistry, relegating it to art directors or filmmakers. —Janine MacLachlan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Imagery that 'equates officers to warriors' Imagery that evokes warriors is a shared theme among a number of LMPD’s coins. —Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 27 Dec. 2024

Traditionally, organizations have equated specialized knowledge with leadership potential. —Anna Barnhill, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin aequatus, past participle of aequare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing equate

• equate to
• equate with/and

Kids Definition

equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

equated; equating

: to make or treat as equal or equivalent