Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective impartial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impartial are dispassionate, equitable, fair, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

When could dispassionate be used to replace impartial?

The synonyms dispassionate and impartial are sometimes interchangeable, 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 do equitable and just relate to one another, in the sense of impartial?

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

the equitable distribution of the property

In what contexts can fair take the place of impartial?

The words fair and impartial can be used in similar contexts, but fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is just a more appropriate choice than impartial?

The words just and impartial 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

When would objective be a good substitute for impartial?

While in some cases nearly identical to impartial, 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 might unbiased be a better fit than impartial?

In some situations, the words unbiased and impartial 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 impartial The events test longstanding norms separating the White House from Department of Justice (DOJ) decision-making—a boundary traditionally aimed at preserving public confidence in impartial justice. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Spencer believes the defense may ask to move the case out of Utah County to ensure an impartial panel. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Guterres also announced that nominations were now open for candidates to join the new International Independent Scientific Panel on AI, designed to provide impartial scientific evidence on the impacts of the technology. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025 Part of the job, said Mandy, is to be transparent, keeping the public informed of city meetings, maintaining accurate records, and helping to manage public meetings and elections in a fair and impartial manner. Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • Probitkin said Jefferson Health's goal is to maintain an equitable relationship with UnitedHealthcare with fair reimbursement levels that will benefit patients and enable LVHN to continue providing the highest quality of care, regardless of insurer.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote that the next mayor can lobby at the state level for more equitable funding for public schools.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Madrid enters the match in strong form, with Jude Bellingham continuing to be the driving force from midfield, contributing goals and creativity in equal measure.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That same day, the moon will reach its first-quarter phase in Aquarius, reminding us to remain objective amidst the swirling intensity brought on by the sun’s journey through Scorpio.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The role of the traditional dining critic is to present authentic, objective restaurant experiences to the public.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impartial

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