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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
And can everyday investors still trust that the system is fair? SEBI is in a tricky position. Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 10 July 2025 The price fluctuates between $43 and $48 normally, so this is a fair bit off to be able to explore the night sky as a family. Kat Bayly, Space.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
Indigenous artists and artists descended from New Mexico’s Spanish colonizers will show at the fair. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Abdul Rehman Saeed is one of the job seekers at this fair. Rob Schmitz, NPR, 28 June 2025
Adverb
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 Held in Brussels Expo, this premier fair is oft-cited as a favorite of true connoisseurs. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • In a special episode of Tilley's podcast Scrubbing In, the couple discussed the details of their engagement, which began last week on a sunny Mallorca beach with a surprising dress code.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 July 2025
  • There were two more medical incidents in the crowd, but the Spaniard kept up the sunny disposition when play restarted to take the opener with a 100 per cent success rates on first serve points.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Global Fund is already working with countries, communities and partners to prepare for rapid, equitable rollout — supporting regulatory readiness, delivery infrastructure and community engagement.
    Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Boise’s team has identified housing structures in the Lusk District, near Boise State, and is trying to find ways to create an equitable billing program for the geothermal system, according to Bre Brush, the mayor’s transportation adviser and a member of the team that worked on the proposal.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • On the other hand, an officer failing to identify themselves can have serious consequences for the legal defense of someone detained or arrested.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 7 July 2025
  • Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit last month seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to put the project on hold until legal wrangling is resolved.
    Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • In one scene captured on video, several bloodied children, including a girl in a pale pink princess dress, along with her twin brother, were piled onto a donkey cart to be taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital.
    Aurora Almendral, NBC news, 10 July 2025
  • Three massive, tree-like sculptures made of pale wood rise to the ceiling, dividing the room from the inviting bar.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • His firing came on the same day two of the team’s most promising young stars, outfielder James Wood and pitcher Mackenzie Gore, made the National League All-Star team for the first time.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Stark noted that ascension has made Suarez one of the most promising pending free agents in the sport.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • While most of the passengers hail from outside Cook County, a decent percentage are like me, locals proud to call this toddlin’ town home.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
  • But something good and decent rose from their sacrifice.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jinkx had a beautiful showing in a season where the queens all got to just show their best every week.
    EW.com, EW.com, 9 July 2025
  • When will Trump's 'big, beautiful' bill go into effect?
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The report comes a day after the European Council called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unconditional release of all hostages, and a permanent end to all hostilities.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • Chara appeared in court in London on June 18, and was granted unconditional bail until his next hearing on Aug. 20, meaning that the group could still play at Glastonbury.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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