fairly

adverb

fair·​ly ˈfer-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
Synonyms of fairlynext
1
: in a handsome manner
a table fairly set
2
obsolete
a
: in a gentle manner : quietly
b
: in a courteous manner
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

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
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.
While the winter of 2024-25 was generally cold and snowy, the peak holiday travel period itself was fairly quiet, and as such, airlines performed pretty well. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025 Everything that happens after, as David grows into a strapping, stout-hearted man (now voiced by Christian singer-songwriter Phil Wickham) and eventually challenges Saul for the throne that is rightly his, is checked off in fairly rote fashion. Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025 There are no penalties in place for users or their families, but everyone in Australia who wants to use social media could have to submit to a fairly onerous series of age verifications—for instance, uploading a video selfie that will be analyzed by artificial intelligence. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2025 Monday started with a light wintry mix and a few slick spots in the Twin Cities, but conditions will settle into a quiet and fairly mild afternoon. Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fairly

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairly. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

fairly

adverb
fair·​ly ˈfa(ə)r-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
ˈfe(ə)r-
1
: in a favorable manner
fairly situated
2
: in a manner of speaking : nearly
fairly bursting with pride
3
: in a fair manner : justly
treat each person fairly
4
: for the most part : rather
a fairly easy job

More from Merriam-Webster on fairly

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