# equivalency

/ɪˈkwɪvəɫənsi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/equivalency
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

equality in value, meaning, or effect between two different things. You use it when one thing can replace another because they mean the same.

For teachers: equality or interchangeability in value, meaning, function, or effect. Common in educational and technical contexts to indicate that a qualification or standard is accepted as the same as another.

## Examples

- This certificate has equivalency with a high school diploma.
- The university accepts the test score as equivalency for the required language course.
- The court examined the equivalency of the two contracts, concluding that despite different wording they imposed identical obligations on both parties.

## Synonyms

equivalence, equality, parity, correspondence, interchangeability

## Antonyms

disparity, inequality

## Usage notes

- Often followed by 'of', 'with', or 'to' to name the things being compared.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.