false equivalence

American  

[fawls i-kwiv-uh-luhns] / ˈfɔls ɪˈkwɪv ə ləns /

noun

1. a logical fallacy in which one assumes or asserts that two things are the same or equal when, while alike in some ways, they are not sufficiently similar to be considered equivalent.

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Etymology

Origin of false equivalence

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

This interpretation, however, rests on a false equivalence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Dr Bączyk-Bell said the process had been a "facetious charade" and it was a "false equivalence" to talk about hurt caused to those who had been theologically opposed to the idea of marriage equality.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

“How refreshing it is to hear clear and morally sound statements that do not create a false equivalence or call for addressing ‘both sides,’” Mr. Smotrich said.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2024

We get a lot of false equivalence around PTSD, too.

From Slate • Sep. 20, 2022

It's important to resist false equivalence and superficial analysis here.

From Salon • Nov. 4, 2021