equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

ˈē-ˌkwāt

equated; equating

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

• compare
• liken

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

Many Republicans have relished in the prosecution of Mr. Biden, equating President Biden’s son’s legal troubles with those of Mr. Trump. —Zach Montague, New York Times, 11 June 2024

Most appallingly, Bradley adopted the terrorists’ talking points, equating Israel’s defensive war and Hamas terrorism. —Megan Tallmer, New York Daily News, 29 May 2024

Clichés abound, most notably his overbearing sister, and, worse, the show’s dedication to themes ends up equating Samantha and Chivon’s insurmountable racial differences with Aidan’s wish that Carrie quit smoking and Charlotte’s date’s lack of kissing skill. —Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2024

One of theses statues depicts the goddess Artemis, equated with Diana in Roman mythology, and it has since been placed in a museum. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing equate

• equate to
• equate with/and

Kids Definition

equate

verb

i-ˈkwāt 

equated; equating

: to make or treat as equal or equivalent