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 Nevertheless, the District remains committed to working collaboratively with the PEA to reach a fair and equitable agreement. Julia Avant, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 Soriano asked whether speed limits for all vehicles on the Boardwalk, which was 8 mph in the past, would be more equitable since the majority of older bike riders now use e-bikes. Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 To ensure equitable access, students are placed into two divisions based on their level of training. Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026 Hally’s vindictive turn is a betrayal, not just of their bond, but of the dream of a more equitable South Africa that could tolerate a Black man being a mentor to a spoiled, brokenhearted white kid. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for equitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equitable
Adjective
  • But by state law, the board is not an impartial player.
    Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The attorneys argued that allowing such visual displays of the victims in the courtroom could potentially challenge the court’s ability to choose an impartial jury for the trial.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s equal to roughly 13% of the total revenues that supported the state budget at that time.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Survivors can apply for equal shares of the payment if the person has died.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The network discontinued its long-standing school report cards, which had provided leaders with an objective measure of their schools’ quality, including not only student outcomes but also staff and student satisfaction.
    Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In the 21st century, venues for opinionated public affairs content have proliferated in all forms of media, even those traditionally reserved for objective news.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equitable. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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