1
: in a handsome manner
a table fairly set
2
3
: so to speak : nearly, practically
fairly bursting with pride
4
a
: in a proper or legal manner
fairly priced stocks
b
: without bias or distortion : impartially
a story told fairly and objectively
5
: to a full degree or extent : plainly, distinctly
had fairly caught sight of him
6
: rather sense 5, moderately
a fairly easy job
Synonyms
Examples of fairly in a Sentence
It's a fairly common disease.
I told the story as fairly as possible.
He reports fairly on the issues.
He beat me fairly and squarely.
Recent Examples on the Web
Readers returning from the Thanksgiving break were treated to two Heard on the Street columns about developments that will start to impact our lives, and our stock portfolios, fairly soon.
—
Heard Editors, WSJ, 25 Nov. 2023
Luckily, treatment for iron deficiency is fairly routine.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2023
Digital platforms have made listing and advertising fairly commoditized.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2023
On Friday, June Steenkamp opened up in a victim impact statement obtained by PEOPLE and urged the parole board panels to take measures toward fairly evaluating an inmate’s rehabilitation by determining whether the convicted is truly remorseful.
—Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
Participants were split fairly evenly between women and men, and all were dementia-free at the start of the study.
—Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 24 Nov. 2023
However, the national gas price has declined fairly steadily since September, according to the data.
—Elizabeth Napolitano, CBS News, 23 Nov. 2023
In fact, as private islands go, Hinton’s is fairly modest—two acres in total.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
Backup quarterback Jameis Winston threw two fairly amazing touchdown passes, but once the Saints got within 8 points, Mekhi Blackmon and Byron Murphy intercepted two of Winston’s passes.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
See More
Heard Editors, WSJ, 25 Nov. 2023
Luckily, treatment for iron deficiency is fairly routine.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2023
Digital platforms have made listing and advertising fairly commoditized.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2023
On Friday, June Steenkamp opened up in a victim impact statement obtained by PEOPLE and urged the parole board panels to take measures toward fairly evaluating an inmate’s rehabilitation by determining whether the convicted is truly remorseful.
—Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
Participants were split fairly evenly between women and men, and all were dementia-free at the start of the study.
—Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 24 Nov. 2023
However, the national gas price has declined fairly steadily since September, according to the data.
—Elizabeth Napolitano, CBS News, 23 Nov. 2023
In fact, as private islands go, Hinton’s is fairly modest—two acres in total.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
Backup quarterback Jameis Winston threw two fairly amazing touchdown passes, but once the Saints got within 8 points, Mekhi Blackmon and Byron Murphy intercepted two of Winston’s passes.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fairly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of fairly was
before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near fairly
Cite this Entry
“Fairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairly. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
fairly
adverb
fair·ly
ˈfa(ə)r-lē 
ˈfe(ə)r-
More from Merriam-Webster on fairly
Nglish: Translation of fairly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fairly for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share