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fair

2 of 3

noun

as in exhibit
a public showing of objects of interest a dazzling array of sleek cabin cruisers at the annual boat fair

Synonyms & Similar Words

fair

3 of 3

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fair contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fair are dispassionate, equitable, impartial, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is dispassionate a more appropriate choice than fair?

The words dispassionate and fair can be used in similar contexts, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

How are the words equitable and just related as synonyms of fair?

Equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

Where would impartial be a reasonable alternative to fair?

The meanings of impartial and fair largely overlap; however, impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

When would just be a good substitute for fair?

The words just and fair are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

In what contexts can objective take the place of fair?

While in some cases nearly identical to fair, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When can unbiased be used instead of fair?

In some situations, the words unbiased and fair are roughly equivalent. However, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fair
Adjective
Unfortunately, the live feed itself is low-res, which is disappointing but fair considering that console is running its own game, direct feed from the camera, and pulling in three others simultaneously. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 The event is included with regular fair admission, so guests can also enjoy the rest of the activities there that day. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Noun
The state fair features 17 days of exhibits, concerts, food, and livestock competitions celebrating California’s diverse culture and industries. Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025 De Bellis is also the director of fairs and exhibition platforms for Art Basel. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
Adverb
And great news, the state fair shattered all previous attendance records! David Plazas, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 Jobs time Hiring signage displayed at a job and resource fair hosted by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board in partnership with NCWorks in Hendersonville, North Carolina, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Michele Luhn, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Here are ways to enjoy this sunny early summer weekend in Central Florida.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
  • The captain who guided the ship through the storm-not the one who sailed on sunny days.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, equitable access to menopause care remains inconsistent—but innovators are stepping in.
    Sophie Okolo, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Based on these considerations, the judge will determine an equitable division of the proceeds from the sale.
    Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Several legal challenges to this practice are now pending in federal courts.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • In documents submitted to the court this week, the president’s lawyers argued that such conditions did exist in Los Angeles, making the deployments legal.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Senator Lindsey Graham is running for a fifth term, though his approval numbers pale in comparison to other Republicans lawmakers from South Carolina, according to recent polling.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • The heart of Paris, now as then, spans the colors of a March sky at dusk: pale gold, chilly white, slate blue.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The most promising opportunities often lie at the intersection of significant pain and institutional blindness—where inefficiency has been accepted as inevitable.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • As of now, the seemingly inevitable mass adoption of electrification has yet to live up to the hype, internal-combustion engines continue firing on all cylinders, and hybrid technology appears to be the most promising path ahead.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sales were decent, too, with more than one million copies shifted per year at the height of what quickly became a phenomenon.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • On its own, the ICE delivers a decent if not incredible 51.4mpg (42.8mpg with US gallon).
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • This wine estate is located up a beautiful valley west of, and perpendicular to, the axis of the hills that form the Côte d’Or.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • When the competitions began in the 1990s, judges awarded points for things like beautiful architecture and keeping costs low.
    Ryan Kellman, NPR, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • The draft Security Council resolution had also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and others.
    Michelle Nichols, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • Todd and Julie Chrisley returned home from prison on Wednesday, May 28, after President Donald Trump issued them full and unconditional pardons.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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