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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
This year's fair closed early on Aug. 9, its penultimate date, due to flash flooding. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Now, to be fair, she’s seemed pretty miserable for most of And Just Like That …, but especially so in this final season. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
According to the ride’s Facebook page, the Apollo 13 travels to fairs, festivals and other events across the United Kingdom. Colson Thayer, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025 The Wisconsin Bakers Association, which runs the cream puff operation, scrambled to find a Wisconsin dairy farm that could produce 1,200 to 1,500 gallons of cream for each day of the fair. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Job fair scheduled for Jan. 16 in Tinley Park Job seekers are invited to join the Southwest Job Fair, set for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • The rain began the evening of Aug. 14 and is expected to pick up in a second round the evening of Aug. 15 and morning of Aug. 16, before gradually giving way to sunnier skies on Aug. 17.
    Zach Urness, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The fabric’s breathability made even the sunniest afternoons far more bearable.
    Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s the person who can integrate diverse expertise, promote equitable contributions, and cultivate trust.
    Jamil Zaki, Harvard Business Review, 15 Aug. 2025
  • School funding was made more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing state revenue on those needs, the release said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There's also no legal requirement to report a find, but the state encourages it.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Last week's ruling by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery of San Antonio adds to a growing wave of legal challenges on the matter in a fight that could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath the bone, the pale, smooth tube of spinal cord is exposed.
    Sophia Li, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Signs your plants need attention include pale foliage, spindly new growth, and fewer new flowers.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images/Getty Images Washington Commanders receive promising grade for Brian Robinson Jr. trade On Sunday, ESPN's Seth Walder and Ben Solak did a report card for all the recent trades that have transpired in the NFL.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
  • All three are expected to play for the Loons for the remainder of a promising 2025 season.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • At least half of them appeared to be Steelers fans, dressed in black and gold and roaring whenever their team did something decent.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The ones that are exchange-traded have decent trading volume, so you don’t get badly nicked when entering or exiting.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But now, the historic home faces something beautiful and meaningful: the city's newest park.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • First crushes, first loves, the beautiful days of summer, and heartbreak are what made this book an instant hit with teens.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Chris McGrath/Getty Images Just imagine if the Russian leader were to announce not only a commitment to peace but also an unconditional pledge to return the 20,000 Ukrainian children his forces have illegally abducted since the full-scale invasion of February 2022.
    Irwin Redlener, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Osborn sided with the remaining two factions, demanding immediate and unconditional emancipation and boycotting products from places that used slave labor.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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