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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
Fortunately, a fair number of Z690 boards have DDR4 support; see our guide to the initial wave of boards for some shopping candidates. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025 The fair will open at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and last until 3 p.m. with entertainment, food, a car show, various contests, games and rides planned all day. Heather McRea, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
Noun
Many vendors are returnees to Kansas City art fairs. Ramal Nasim, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2025 And a bevy of food trucks, offering everything from juicy sliders to heat-combating snow cones, will be on hand during the fair’s eighth year. Joey Skladany, AFAR Media, 6 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
  • Historically, sunglasses have had an intricate relationship to colder climates as opposed to the sunnier side of the sidewalk.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The Leo moon enhances an outspoken and sunny disposition until someone challenges your expression.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • As new federal and state regulations favor local data and AI with human oversight, there has never been a better—or more urgent—moment to make the U.S. the global standard for secure, resilient, and equitable healthcare administration in the era of agentic AI.
    Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This year's honor roll comes at a critical time, as hospitals work to maintain equitable care amid potential Medicaid cuts, rising costs and ongoing workforce challenges.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Administration officials accuse the agency and its former leadership of exceeding their legal powers, burdening free enterprise and engaging in politicized enforcement of consumer laws.
    Douglas Gillison, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • His legal troubles began after a December 2022 Tennessee traffic stop in which police pulled him over for speeding.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating and fatigue, a weak pulse and skin that’s cool, pale or clammy, as well as headache, dizziness, nausea and fainting.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • The wine is a pale straw with greenish highlights, featuring aromas of green apple, lemon, and spring flowers.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The tech giant’s big-budget racing drama, starring Brad Pitt as a Formula One driver who is coerced out of retirement to coach a slick rookie (Damson Idris), is targeting a promising $50 million to $60 million in its debut.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • Sacramento has recently eliminated parking minimums and density caps citywide to promote new housing development, a promising approach to address housing scarcity.
    Mahdi E Diab, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Start by rolling them on a countertop with a decent amount of pressure; doing so helps release the lemon juice from its membranes.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
  • Fields had a decent season with the Steelers, going 4-2 before he was replaced by Russell Wilson.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The beautiful game has all too often been marred by unsavory incidents of bigotry.
    Hannah Ryan, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
  • The job was to find a photographer or find a model, pack a trunk of clothes and flit off to St. Moritz for a week and take beautiful pictures and come back.
    A Martínez, NPR, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Trump mulled joining the Israeli strikes over the past four days and called for Iran’s unconditional surrender.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
  • Because the show really is about friendship, unconditional friendship between these four and then five girls.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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