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.
Advertisement Science and quackery cannot be treated as having scientific and moral equivalence. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024 There is no moral equivalence between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2024 According to the state, there should have been a trial on the matter of equivalence complete with the taking of evidence and expert testimony. Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 By drawing a false equivalence between Zionism and Judaism, administrators are declaring that such a debate is bigoted by definition, and thus shouldn’t be allowed to happen at all. Richard Beck, TIME, 6 Sep. 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

Dictionary Entries Near equivalence

Cite this Entry

“Equivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equivalence. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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

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!