EQUIVALENT Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of equivalent are equal , identical , same , selfsame , and very . While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance. // two houses equivalent in market value

Q: When would 'equal' be a good substitute for 'equivalent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivalent , equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality. // equal shares in the business

Q: Where would 'identical' be a reasonable alternative to 'equivalent'?

Although the words identical and equivalent have much in common, 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 'equivalent'?

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 'equivalent'?

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

equivalent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of equivalent

as in counterpart

one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value that huge mansion at the end of the street is the equivalent of five ordinary houses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

equivalent

2 of 2

adjective

as in comparable

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in different

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of equivalent are equal, identical, same, selfsame, and very. While all these words mean "not different or not differing from one another," equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance.

two houses equivalent in market value

When would equal be a good substitute for equivalent?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivalent, equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality.

equal shares in the business

Where would identical be a reasonable alternative to equivalent?

Although the words identical and equivalent have much in common, identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details.

identical results

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

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 equivalent?

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 equivalent

Noun

The amount, reduced to 90 million francs and the equivalent of more than $20 billion today, went to compensate French plantation owners for the loss of property. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 What Florida State pulled off in the month of July on the recruiting trail is the college football equivalent of that gif of The Undertaker sitting up in his casket. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Adjective

And if the trust includes a substitution, or swap, power, the family may later be able to exchange equivalent assets to improve long-term basis management. — Michael Gold Cfp, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Conscripts typically receive a monthly salary of 9,000 kroner and a 277 kroner daily allowance, roughly equivalent to $950 and $30, respectively. — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equivalent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivalent

Noun

Shopping around online, however, is key as online banks often have better rates than their in-person counterparts, thanks to lower maintenance and overhead costs.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Inside, the scenery is far more elaborate than in its outdoor counterparts as there is no danger of it getting bleached by the sun or blowing away.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of counterpart

Adjective

In an exchange relationship, benefits are given with the expectation of comparable repayment; in a communal one, they’re given in response to need, on the assumption that care flows both ways over time.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Experts point out that there are no known examples of this sort of clothing in comparable sculptures from Anatolia or mainland Greece, so the garb reflects a local tradition distinct to the ancient kingdom of Lydia.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of comparable

Adjective

Bert McCarty, a Clemson University professor of turfgrass science and management, said golfers like how top courses are so different — from incorporating the ocean in places near beaches to relying on inclines in the mountains.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
The tour, which began in 1999, showcases Slamdance titles to different audiences around the country, expanding their reach beyond the traditional film hubs of Los Angeles and New York.

— Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of different

Noun

The deal ends in 2029, leaving MLS to decide whether to renew with Apple or pursue other partners.

— Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Instead of replacing pilots, the technology aims to act as a mission partner that can process information faster and execute complex maneuvers when every second matters.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of partner

Adjective

Fulton sees it as analogous to the insight embedded in a Visa network but reaching deeper into people's financial lives.

— Peter High, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
The companies describe the technology as analogous to Global Entry for international travelers, in that pre-verified goods move through compliance checks faster because customs isn’t starting a full risk review every time.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Definition of analogous

Adjective

The service Casually buttoned-up and (like many other things at this property) classic New York, with concierge and servers always ready to lend a hand—but without fussing over anything.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
While plenty of chic boots are obviously on her radar, her seasonal collection includes a range of other styles, too, like sneakers, loafers, and flats.

— Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of other

Adjective

Crowley's mention of the Evers endorsement drew a round of applause at both of his campaign stops in New Glarus and Madison this week, but similar votes of confidence haven't always been decisive in other primaries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
California is among multiple states, including Maryland and Connecticut, that have passed or are considering similar measures.

— Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of similar

Adjective

Fellow forward Thomas-Asante was used sparingly, making two substitute appearances in Ghana’s four games.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Finally, in minute 106, substitute Ferran Torres scored a goal for Spain, securing them the World Cup victory and denying Argentina a back-to-back win.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 July 2026

Definition of substitute

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“Equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivalent. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of equivalent

noun

adjective

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Synonyms of equivalent

noun

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to equivalent

'The Grammatical Equivalent Of...'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on equivalent

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nurture

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

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Games & Quizzes