equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt How to pronounce equate (audio)
ˈē-ˌkwāt
equated; equating
Synonyms of equate

transitive verb

1
a
: to make equal : equalize
b
: to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard or obtain a correct result
2
: to treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable
equates disagreement with disloyalty

intransitive verb

: to correspond as equal

Synonyms of equate

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Examples of equate in a Sentence

You shouldn't equate those two things. a value system that equates money with success
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.
For someone who seems to equate being rich with getting respect, money can feel like a familiar friend. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 July 2026 But stop equating Israel with true genocidal states like Nazi Germany. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026 What the rise of 'chalance' says about dating People have equated aloofness with coolness since long before the internet came around. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 June 2026 College football fans who equated NCAA rules to actual laws. — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for equate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin aequatus, past participle of aequare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of equate was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing equate

Rhymes for equate

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Browse Nearby Words

equatable
equate
equated date
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Cite this Entry

“Equate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

equate

verb
i-ˈkwāt How to pronounce equate (audio)
equated; equating
: to make or treat as equal or equivalent

More from Merriam-Webster on equate

Nglish: Translation of equate for Spanish Speakers

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