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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
Fortunately, a fair number of Z690 boards have DDR4 support; see our guide to the initial wave of boards for some shopping candidates. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025 The fair will open at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and last until 3 p.m. with entertainment, food, a car show, various contests, games and rides planned all day. Heather McRea, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
Noun
Many vendors are returnees to Kansas City art fairs. Ramal Nasim, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2025 And a bevy of food trucks, offering everything from juicy sliders to heat-combating snow cones, will be on hand during the fair’s eighth year. Joey Skladany, AFAR Media, 6 June 2025
Adverb
Sotheby’s marketing, like that of a luxury brand, had skilfully woven a narrative around the sensation that the banana sculpture, by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, created when first exhibited at the Art Basel Miami Beach fair in 2019. Scott Reyburn, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 Held in Brussels Expo, this premier fair is oft-cited as a favorite of true connoisseurs. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Historically, sunglasses have had an intricate relationship to colder climates as opposed to the sunnier side of the sidewalk.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The Leo moon enhances an outspoken and sunny disposition until someone challenges your expression.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • As new federal and state regulations favor local data and AI with human oversight, there has never been a better—or more urgent—moment to make the U.S. the global standard for secure, resilient, and equitable healthcare administration in the era of agentic AI.
    Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This year's honor roll comes at a critical time, as hospitals work to maintain equitable care amid potential Medicaid cuts, rising costs and ongoing workforce challenges.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit last month seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to put the project on hold until legal wrangling is resolved.
    Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • Currently, workers have no legal recourse for grievances submitted to the National Labor Relations Board due to the removal of NLRB members by the Trump administration.
    Nick Gauthier, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating and fatigue, a weak pulse and skin that’s cool, pale or clammy, as well as headache, dizziness, nausea and fainting.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • The wine is a pale straw with greenish highlights, featuring aromas of green apple, lemon, and spring flowers.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • His firing came on the same day two of the team’s most promising young stars, outfielder James Wood and pitcher Mackenzie Gore, made the National League All-Star team for the first time.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Stark noted that ascension has made Suarez one of the most promising pending free agents in the sport.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • But something good and decent rose from their sacrifice.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 4 July 2025
  • While most of the passengers hail from outside Cook County, a decent percentage are like me, locals proud to call this toddlin’ town home.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The beautiful game has all too often been marred by unsavory incidents of bigotry.
    Hannah Ryan, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
  • Until then, the MIT Museum will remain a beautiful shell with very little inside.
    Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Chara appeared in court in London on June 18, and was granted unconditional bail until his next hearing on Aug. 20, meaning that the group could still play at Glastonbury.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 28 June 2025
  • The report comes a day after the European Council called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unconditional release of all hostages, and a permanent end to all hostilities.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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