VOOZH about

URL: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equal

⇱ EQUAL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Definition
    • To save this word, you'll need to log in.
1
a(1)
: of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another
(2)
: identical in mathematical value or logical denotation : equivalent
b
: like in quality, nature, or status
c
: like for each member of a group, class, or society
provide equal employment opportunities
2
: regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : impartial
3
: free from extremes: such as
a
: tranquil in mind or mood
b
: not showing variation in appearance, structure, or proportion
4
a
: capable of meeting the requirements of a situation or a task
She is equal to the task.
b
: suitable
bored with work not equal to his abilities

equal

2 of 3

noun

1
: one that is equal
… insists that women can be absolute equals with men β€¦β€”πŸ‘ Image
Anne Bernays
2
: an equal quantity

equal

3 of 3

verb

equaled or equalled; equaling or equalling

transitive verb

1
: to be equal to
especially : to be identical in value to
2
archaic : equalize
3
: to make or produce something equal to

Synonyms of equal

Choose the Right Synonym for equal

same, selfsame, very, identical, equivalent, equal mean not different or not differing from one another.

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

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

the very point I was trying to make

identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

Examples of equal in a Sentence

Adjective an equal number of apples and oranges We divided the profits into three equal shares. The play combines tragedy and comedy in equal measure. The opposing candidate has demanded equal time on television. The fractions 1/2 and 2/4 are equal. providing equal opportunities for children of all races We need to have equal academic standards for male and female students. Noun I consider him my equal. We are all equals here. Verb Nothing can ever equal that experience. See if you can equal that! a weight lifter attempting to equal his rival's performance No one can equal him in chess.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
No substitutions for prize except by Sponsor, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be substituted. β€”πŸ‘ Image
CondΓ© Nast, CondΓ© Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026 Ever since its bloody 15-year civil war, Lebanon has relied on a power-sharing agreement to accommodate the interests of Christians, Shiite Muslims and Sunni Muslims, the country's largest religious groups, which make up roughly equal shares of the population. β€”πŸ‘ Image
ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
The women had been made to sit silently in the gallery while the male attendees debated whether they should be allowed to participate as equals. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026 While the Chicago retail footprint isn’t expected to grow, O’Rourke believes the merger of relative equals will help both banks continue to build business. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
According to Missouri Lottery, retailers that sell winning Scratcher and Draw Games tickets receive a bonus that equals 2% of the prize up to $600 by meeting certain game and sales criteria. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026 Sailing on a mega ship with thousands of people equals crowded pools, jockeying for lounge chairs and bustling buffets. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Katie Riley, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equal

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin aequalis, from aequus level, equal

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of equal was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing equal

Rhymes for equal

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

β€œEqual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equal. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
a
: exactly the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality
an equal number of apples and oranges
officers of equal rank
of equal importance
b
: identical in mathematical value : equivalent
2
: not varying from one person or part to another
equal job opportunities
equal pressure throughout the system
3
: impartial
equal laws
4
: capable of meeting requirements : sufficient
equal to the task
equally adverb

equal

2 of 3 noun
1
: one that is equal
has no equal at chess
2
: an equal quantity

equal

3 of 3 verb
equaled or equalled; equaling or equalling
1
: to be equal to
2
: to produce something equal to : match
see if you can equal that!

Legal Definition

equal

1 of 2 adjective
1
: like in quality, nature, or status
2
: like for each member of a group, class, or society
3
: regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : impartial

equal

2 of 2 noun
: one that is equal
Etymology

Adjective

Latin aequalis, from aequus level, equal

More from Merriam-Webster on equal

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

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchβ€”ad free!

Merriam-Webster unabridged

More from Merriam-Webster