bid fair

phrase

Synonyms of bid fair next

next

: to seem likely

a movie that bids fair to become a big hit

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bid fair was in 1646

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

bidet

bid fair

bidi

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bid fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bid%20fair. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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