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
b
: suitable
bored with work not equal to his abilities
1
: one that is equal
insists that women can be absolute equals with men—
Anne Bernays
Anne Bernays2
: an equal quantity
equaled or equalled; equaling or equalling
1
: to be equal to
especially
: to be identical in value to
2
archaic
: equalize
3
: to make or produce something equal to
Synonyms
Adjective
- candid
- disinterested
- dispassionate
- equitable
- evenhanded
- fair
- impartial
- indifferent
- just
- nonpartisan
- objective
- square
- unbiased
- unprejudiced
Noun
Verb
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
Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Up until March 2019, Fox owned one-third of Hulu — no more and no less than its equal partners in the 2008 joint venture.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso have reformed as the original incarnation of the Bloodline, but the team-up came under one condition: the former Undisputed WWE Universal Championship has to treat his cousins as equals.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Funke’s devoted following equals a tough reservation but bar seating and of course, picture-perfect cocktails available too.
—Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for equal 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Studying the beliefs and ideas of a past time and place bumped the object to one side, where it now was given equal weight to economics, literature, religion, scientific developments, politics and other varieties of social life.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Up until March 2019, Fox owned one-third of Hulu — no more and no less than its equal partners in the 2008 joint venture.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Execs at both companies see the tie-up as a merger of equals, not one party acquiring the other.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso have reformed as the original incarnation of the Bloodline, but the team-up came under one condition: the former Undisputed WWE Universal Championship has to treat his cousins as equals.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
Generally, Arndt added, the first year of a medium-sized dog equals about 15 human years, while the second is more like nine human years, and then every year after that is equivalent to about five human years.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Funke’s devoted following equals a tough reservation but bar seating and of course, picture-perfect cocktails available too.
—Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for equal
Dictionary Entries Near equal
Cite this Entry
“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equal. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
equal
1 of 3 adjective1
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 noun1
: 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!
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