equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz 

equalized; equalizing

transitive verb

1

: to make equal

2

a

: to compensate for

b

: to make uniform

especially : to distribute evenly or uniformly

equalize the tax burden

c

: to adjust or correct the frequency characteristics of (an electronic signal) by restoring to their original level high frequencies that have been attenuated

intransitive verb

chiefly British : to tie the score

equalization

ˌē-kwə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• balance
• equate
• even
• level

Examples of equalize in a Sentence

They are hoping to equalize pay for workers with similar jobs.

Educational opportunities have not yet equalized.

trying to equalize the pressure

Recent Examples on the Web

State funding rarely equalizes these disparities adequately. —Linda Darling-Hammond, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

To equalize the American workplace so that gig/independent contractors and legacy employment are equal. —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

The Ducks’ two late goals Sunday came with their goaltender pulled, one day after Minnesota equalized late in the same way. —Max Bultman, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

But a Sam Bennett goal equalized the affair, before a scoreless third period sent the game into sudden-death. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for equalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz 

equalized; equalizing

1

: to make equal

2

: to make uniform

especially : to distribute evenly

equalization

ˌē-kwə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

equalizer

ˈē-kwə-ˌlī-zər

noun