equalize

verb

equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz How to pronounce equalize (audio)
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 noun

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 In its final real chance in stoppage time, Sporting nearly equalized when Crepeau made a stunning save on a Johnny Russell header. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 May 2024 The Quakes equalized at 2-2 in the 80th minute on an unassisted goal by Cristian Espinoza to force the game beyond 90 minutes, then went ahead when recent Argentinian arrival Hernán López scored on a give-and-go with Preston Judd. Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for equalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'equalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of equalize was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near equalize

Cite this Entry

“Equalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equalize. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

equalize

verb
equal·​ize ˈē-kwə-ˌlīz How to pronounce equalize (audio)
equalized; equalizing
1
: to make equal
2
: to make uniform
especially : to distribute evenly
equalization noun
equalizer
ˈē-kwə-ˌlī-zər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on equalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!