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 The report further found that NASA has struggled to maintain and modernize its launch infrastructure, partially due to declining maintenance budgets and poor funding structures that prevent an equitable recoupment of costs from commercial providers leasing the launch facilities. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 June 2026 Warnock, who talked with me about it this week, said Johnson sees the moral mandates for equitable treatment of the poor as individualistic, with no implications for government or systems. David Weigel, semafor.com, 24 June 2026 Some areas of the city have experienced historical underinvestment and a lack of equitable economic opportunities. Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 Rabeya Sen, a director of equitable land use at the California Environmental Justice Alliance, says those changes are part of an effort to silence everyday Californians. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • Our reviews are impartial and our opinions are our own.
    Paul Ridden June 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2026
  • That raised questions about the task of sitting an impartial jury.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Before Getting Started Not all white garments or linens are created equal.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • The honor has been bestowed upon actors, comedians, directors, producers, costume designers, writers, animators, musicians, executives, journalists, and various other individuals whose work in television has no equal.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • An objective outsider can help challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions and provide a perspective that may be difficult to maintain from inside the situation.
    Amy Powell, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But the disagreement ultimately has less to do with objective criteria—such as the effects of climate change in Europe, which is warming twice as fast as the global average—than subjective questions about what constitutes an acceptable level of physical suffering and sacrifice.
    Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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