equivalence

noun

equiv·​a·​lence i-ˈkwi-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce equivalence (audio)
-ˈkwiv-lən(t)s
1
a
: the state or property of being equivalent
b
: the relation holding between two statements if they are either both true or both false so that to affirm one and to deny the other would result in a contradiction
2
: a presentation of terms as equivalent
3
: equality in metrical value of a regular foot and one in which there are substitutions

Examples of equivalence in a Sentence

the equivalence of the two propositions moviegoers who mistakenly believe that there is an equivalence between the personality of an actor and that of his character
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Combating antisemitism should not come at the cost of distorting reality or creating false equivalences. Yinam Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 Her characters, buffeted by the era’s fluctuating currencies, inherited this crisis of equivalence. Laurence Scott, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 The Madness can traffic in false equivalences—a common pitfall of political fiction that values moderation as an end in itself. Judy Berman, TIME, 28 Nov. 2024 There cannot be this false moral equivalence in our discourse. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for equivalence

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of equivalence was circa 1541

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Cite this Entry

“Equivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equivalence. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

equivalence

noun
equiv·​a·​lence i-ˈkwiv(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce equivalence (audio)
: the quality or state of being equivalent

Medical Definition

equivalence

noun
equiv·​a·​lence i-ˈkwiv(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce equivalence (audio)
: the state or property of being equivalent

More from Merriam-Webster on equivalence

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