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
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
Marek Niedzwiedz, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Breakthroughs for the global game have also included the equal pay deal agreed stateside in 2022 by US Soccer, and a five-year rights agreement with broadcasters Sky Sports and the BBC for the English Women's Soccer League starting 2025 which is set to give unprecedented reach to matches.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Olumuyiwa Olowogboyega, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
Similarly, McDowell has fun chewing the scenery, but his villain is just a traumatized guy trying to get back to his happy place… not exactly the equal of heavyweights like Khan or Chang.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Officials estimate the street value of the drugs equals $2.97 million.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 15 July 2025
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
Warrior mindset: Being fair means treating everyone with equal respect and navigating situations with some thought and judgment.
—Marek Niedzwiedz, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Breakthroughs for the global game have also included the equal pay deal agreed stateside in 2022 by US Soccer, and a five-year rights agreement with broadcasters Sky Sports and the BBC for the English Women's Soccer League starting 2025 which is set to give unprecedented reach to matches.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Noun
Matta, which raised around $5 million in venture funding last year, is building a trust layer that lets global manufacturers treat African suppliers as equals, not just alternatives.
—Olumuyiwa Olowogboyega, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
Similarly, McDowell has fun chewing the scenery, but his villain is just a traumatized guy trying to get back to his happy place… not exactly the equal of heavyweights like Khan or Chang.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
In reality, the two situations are different but still probably equal overall.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Officials estimate the street value of the drugs equals $2.97 million.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for equal
Cite this Entry
“Equal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equal. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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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