EQUAL Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'equal' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equal are equivalent , identical , same , selfsame , and very . While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality. // equal shares in the business

Q: When might 'equivalent' be a better fit than 'equal'?

In some situations, the words equivalent and equal are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance. // two houses equivalent in market value

Q: When is 'identical' a more appropriate choice than 'equal'?

The synonyms identical and equal are sometimes interchangeable, but identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details. // identical results

Q: How are the words 'same' and 'selfsame' related as synonyms of 'equal'?

Same may imply and selfsame always implies that the things under consideration are one thing and not two or more things. // took the same route // derived from the selfsame source

Q: How does the word 'very' relate to other synonyms for 'equal'?

Very , like selfsame , may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind. // the very point I was trying to make

equal 1 of 3

adjective

ˈē-kwəl

Definition of equal next

as in equitable

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias the basic belief that everyone is entitled to equal opportunity in employment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in identical

resembling another in every respect as far as I can see, except for the high price, the store-brand jacket is equal to the jacket with the designer label

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in suitable

having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance looking for someone equal to the challenge of running a large state university

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in composed

free from emotional or mental agitation he proceeded, in an equal tone, to recount the terrible events of the day

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

equal

2 of 3

noun

as in equivalent

one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value a basketball player who truly has no equal in his sport

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equal

3 of 3

verb

as in to match

to produce something equal to (as in quality or value) no one has equaled Shakespeare's plays

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as in to mean

to be the same in meaning or effect being confined to home for a whole weekend would equal a death sentence in the minds of a lot of teens

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to parallel

to be the exact counterpart of in the British system a public school equals an American prep school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word equal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equal are equivalent, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

When might equivalent be a better fit than equal?

In some situations, the words equivalent and equal are roughly equivalent. However, equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When is identical a more appropriate choice than equal?

The synonyms identical and equal are sometimes interchangeable, but identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

How are the words same and selfsame related as synonyms of equal?

Same may imply and selfsame always implies that the things under consideration are one thing and not two or more things.

took the same route

derived from the selfsame source

How does the word very relate to other synonyms for equal?

Very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same may imply likeness in kind.

the very point I was trying to make

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 equal

Adjective

Many democracies have state or public media that are obligated, at least in principle, to give equal time to all sides. —

Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025 Add equal parts water and vinegar to the kettle and bring it to a boil. —

Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 27 Jan. 2025

Noun

Everton and Arsenal have not been relative equals since the 2013-14 season, when the two sides battled for Champions League qualification – and even that was fleeting. —

Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 In healthy relationships, both people are supportive equals—not caretakers or projects needing to be fixed. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024

Verb

The credit equals 100% of up to two weeks (to a maximum of 80 hours) of the qualified sick leave wages and up to 12 weeks of the qualified family leave wages that an employer paid for employers who took leave. —

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025 Where New Orleans offers glittering, over-the-top galas and grandiose, orchestrated parades, in this region, homegrown events equal truck-bed concerts and krewe members on horseback. —

Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for equal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for equal

Adjective

Without equitable access, women were not able to fully participate in life outside the home.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
Leaders must prioritize governance frameworks that ensure AI systems are ethical, equitable, and transparent.

— Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025