Allowing him to leave prison now would be 'equivalent to' [=would amount to, would be the same as] saying that his crime was not serious.
I haven't taken English 202, but I took an 'equivalent' course at another university.
Those less-known companies manufacture 'equivalent' products at cheaper prices.
(..) strangled him with my bare hands. - I don't blame you. - Ever been through an audit? - No. - It's hell. It's the financial equivalent of a complete rectal examination. I would've killed this man. Torn him limb from limb. Ripped the flesh right off his bones. - Yeah? (..)1991 TvShow: Seinfeld Title: The Truth Season: 3 Episode 2