Board Thread:Boruto Discussions/@comment-33255203-20171004210031/@comment-734582-20171023064751

Ninjachris wrote: equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc. "one unit is equivalent to one glass of wine" synonyms:	equal, identical;

So yea equivalent and equal mean exactly the same thing. No, they aren't the same thing. Equivalent means equal in the point you are describing. IE 1 euro is equivalent to 1.22 dollar or something. They have equal value. But you wouldn't mistake one for the other. They are used as synonyms, but that's because nobody ever cares. People use literally figuratively, which means it's a word that can mean the exact opposite of what it's supposed to mean.

The definition you quote says the same thing.

In this case, the intended use is correct: Chakra enhanced punches are equivalent in power to Chidori and Rasengan. They have notably different effects and results, but that was noted 20 posts ago already.

equal: adjective 1. as great as; the same as (often followed by to or with): The velocity of sound is not equal to that of light. 2. like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.: two students of equal brilliance. 3. evenly proportioned or balanced: an equal contest. 4. uniform in operation or effect: equal laws. 5. adequate or sufficient in quantity or degree: The supply is equal to the demand. 6. having adequate powers, ability, or means: He was equal to the task. 7. level, as a plain.

equivalent adjective 1. equal in value, measure, force, effect, significance, etc.: His silence is equivalent to an admission of guilt. 2. corresponding in position, function, etc.: In some ways their prime minister is equivalent to our president. 3. Geometry. having the same extent, as a triangle and a square of equal area.

Definitions 2 and 1 are synonyms but the rest on the list isn't. You're thinking definition 1 for equal (which is basically "literally the same".)