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Synonyms

equitable

American  
[ek-wi-tuh-buhl] / ˈɛk wɪ tə bəl /

adjective

  1. characterized by equity or fairness; just and right; fair.

    equitable treatment of all citizens.

    Synonyms:
    unprejudiced, unbiased, objective, impartial, dispassionate, just, fair, evenhanded
    Antonyms:
    prejudiced, biased, inequitable, unequitable, unjust, unfair
  2. Law.

    1. pertaining to or valid in equity.

    2. pertaining to the system of equity, as distinguished from the common law.


equitable British  
/ ˈɛkwɪtəbəl /

adjective

  1. impartial or reasonable; fair; just

    an equitable decision

  2. law relating to or valid in equity, as distinct from common law or statute law

  3. law (formerly) recognized in a court of equity only, as claims, rights, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of equitable

First recorded in 1640–50; equit(y) + -able

Explanation

Equitable distribution means everyone gets their fair share of something.If you work on a group project in class, you want an equitable share of the credit. When you look at equitable, you might think you see the word, equal, but it doesn't mean fair in the sense of exactly the same. If you worked ten hours at a lemonade stand and your friend worked five, you'd want an equitable share of the profits rather than an equal share. Equitable would take into account the amount of work you did, equal would not.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Octane Lending, which finances motorcycles, ATVs, RVs and other outdoor recreational equipment, entered into up to $700 million of agreements with New York Life, Equitable and a unit of MetLife.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

The Co-op traces its roots back to 1844 when the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers set up a store to offer quality food at fair prices to working-class neighbourhoods in industrial towns.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Equitable and equal are second cousins, twice removed.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 20, 2025

To optimize your HSA, make annual contributions, but use non-HSA funds to pay for healthcare expenses so your money can grow tax-deferred, says Molly Reese Ward, an advisor with Equitable Advisors.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

At that time the New York Life, the Equitable, and the Mutual Life loomed before the American people as the greatest, most respected, and most venerable institutions in our broad land.

From Frenzied Finance Vol. 1: The Crime of Amalgamated by Lawson, Thomas William

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