as great as; the same as (often fol. by to or with )

The velocity of sound is not equal to that of light.

like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.

two students of equal brilliance.

evenly proportioned or balanced

an equal contest.

uniform in operation or effect

equal laws.

adequate or sufficient in quantity or degree

The supply is equal to the demand.

having adequate powers, ability, or means

He was equal to the task.

level, as a plain.

tranquil or undisturbed

to confront death with an equal mind.

impartial or equitable.

a person or thing that is equal.

to be or become equal to; meet or match

So far the rate of production doesn't equal the demand. If A equals B and B equals C, then A equals C.

to make or do something equal to

No matter how he tries, he can't equal his brother's achievements.

Archaic . to make equal; equalize.

Obsolete . to recompense fully.

adjective

different , not alike , unequal , unlike , unmatched , variable , varying , biased , disproportionate , unequitable , unfair , unjust

noun

inferior , subordinate

verb

disproportion , imbalance , unmatch , vary

adjective

according , balanced , break even , commensurate , comparable , coordinate , correspondent , corresponding , double , duplicate , egalitarian , equivalent , evenly matched , fifty-fifty * , homologous , identic , identical , indistinguishable , invariable , level , look-alike , matched , matching , one and the same , parallel , proportionate , same , same difference , spit and image , stack up with , tantamount , to the same degree , two peas in pod , uniform , unvarying , dispassionate , equable , even-handed , impartial , just , nondiscriminatory , nonpartisan , objective , uncolored , unprejudiced , without distinction , even , up to , equitable , evenhanded , fair , adequate , cordinate , coetaneous , coeval , coextensive , commensurable , congruent , constituting , contemporaneous , contemporary , coterminous , democratic , equalitarian , equipollent , equiponderant , homeostatic , isometric , isonomic , isonomous , reciprocal , sufficient , synonymous

noun

alter ego , coequal , companion , compeer , competitor , complement , copy , counterpart , double , duplicate , equivalent , like , likeness , match , mate , parallel , rival , twin , colleague , fellow , balance , cordinate , coetaneity , coeval , commensurability , contemporaneity , coordinate , egalitarian , equality , equation , equilibrium , equiponderance , equivalence , homeostasis , isonomy , libertarian , osmosis , parity , peer , proportion , quid pro quo , stability , symmetry , uniformity

verb

agree , amount to , approach , balance , be commensurate , be identical , be level , be tantamount , break even , come up to , compare , comprise , consist of , coordinate , correspond , emulate , equalize , equate , equipoise , equiponderate , keep pace with , level , live up to , match , measure up , meet , parallel , partake of , rank with , reach , rise to , rival , run abreast , square with , tally , tie , touch , constitute , abreast , adequate , alike , balanced , coextensive , commensurate , comparative , compeer , corresponding , counterpart , equivalent , even , fair , hess , identical , librate , like , mate , neutralize , on a par , par , peer , same , similar , stabilize , symmetrical , tantamount , unbiased , unify