Definition of equitablenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective equitable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of equitable are dispassionate, fair, impartial, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

Where would dispassionate be a reasonable alternative to equitable?

The synonyms dispassionate and equitable are sometimes interchangeable, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

When might fair be a better fit than equitable?

While the synonyms fair and equitable are close in meaning, fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is it sensible to use impartial instead of equitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to equitable, impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

In what contexts can just take the place of equitable?

In some situations, the words just and equitable are roughly equivalent. However, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

When would objective be a good substitute for equitable?

The words objective and equitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When can unbiased be used instead of equitable?

Although the words unbiased and equitable have much in common, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

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 equitable Unfortunately, Illinois Medicaid does not cover obesity medicines, putting some of the most effective treatments available out of reach for nearly 3 million Illinois residents who also deserve equitable care. — Disha Narang, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 Christa Blatchford, the foundation’s executive director, said that these two new resources argue for more equitable investment in legacy stewardship. — News Desk, Artforum, 24 Sep. 2026 This week, the Gates Foundation announced a $1 billion commitment to build and deliver equitable AI tools to schools, frontline health care workers, farmers, and more. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 Regardless of the gender of its central killer, maybe the most equitable thing Monster could do is stop talking. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Countries that try to stay impartial in international disputes are having a tough go these days.
    — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Hardly an impartial judge of his own life, the Unabomber’s stated willingness to serve as the face of a revolutionary movement is chilling.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • To be clear, uncertainty does not mean all outcomes are created equal.
    — Nathan Gonzales CQ-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • That’s equal to the size of about two UC Berkeleys and amounts to an increase of 28%.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Both Fontaines were scouts well ahead of the deep empirical and objective analysis of baseball data — sabermetrics is the catchall term — that some believe has made scouts obsolete.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • By any objective measure, the Pan America is a capable, comfortable, raucous-sounding, brute-faced, mile-killer that attracts only the very finest heathens.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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