as in beloved
granted special treatment or attention
she had been the teacher's fair-haired pupil—the one who could do no wrong
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Recent Examples of fair-haired
Amanda was feline and fair-haired; Emerald had the large eyes, thick black eyebrows, and neotenous features of an anime hero.
—
Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Unlike the legend in Shakespeare’s Hamlet — whose rejection by the Prince of Denmark sparks her unraveling — this fair-haired singing socialite will not be losing the plot.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
Initially, instrumental music is playing, but once the band dies down, a fair-haired youth starts singing, countertenor-like.
—Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 27 July 2025
Legend has it that in 1327, Petrarch caught sight of a fair-haired, married woman named Laura in the church of Saint-Claire and fell head over heels, inspiring ardent daily writings of passion, anguish and ultimately despair.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Pavan was two months shy of 18, fair-haired and lanky.
—Mari Saito, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Emma has been some fabulous version of blonde for quite some time now, interrupting her fair-haired streak with the occasional brunette detour.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Feb. 2025
Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Unlike the legend in Shakespeare’s Hamlet — whose rejection by the Prince of Denmark sparks her unraveling — this fair-haired singing socialite will not be losing the plot.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
Initially, instrumental music is playing, but once the band dies down, a fair-haired youth starts singing, countertenor-like.
—Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 27 July 2025
Legend has it that in 1327, Petrarch caught sight of a fair-haired, married woman named Laura in the church of Saint-Claire and fell head over heels, inspiring ardent daily writings of passion, anguish and ultimately despair.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Pavan was two months shy of 18, fair-haired and lanky.
—Mari Saito, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Emma has been some fabulous version of blonde for quite some time now, interrupting her fair-haired streak with the occasional brunette detour.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair-haired
Adjective
-
And though the devastation wrought by last year’s fire was unprecedented in its scale, the Schneiders remain optimistic about the future of their beloved enclave and its plucky local paper.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Packed with mistaken identities, overheard conversations, and joyful chaos, this beloved classic is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Harding said it can be used for cases that don’t require a full autopsy or for families who would rather not have as invasive of a procedure done on their loved one.—
Shannon Tyler
March 6,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Her representative called the incident ‘completely inexcusable,’ signaling the singer needs intervention and support from loved ones.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The Padres have become an institution, playing in one of the more cherished buildings in sports.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jean is an enthralling account of an artist learning to be less precious about linear healing and emotions that don’t lend themselves to that process.—
Larisha Paul,
VIBE.com,
9 Mar. 2026
-
However, gold may not necessarily fit the needs of every individual who wants to buy precious metals.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite finds at Wayfair.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Stay Informed - Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite weather news station.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sandy Liang graced us with so much darling fashion inspo, including fluffy heels that look like bunny slippers.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The darling Swiss-dot design creates visual intrigue, while the flowy sleeves and skirt allow for ample freedom of movement.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This sweet, 3-year-old calico was found as a stray during a snowstorm and has been all about warm hearts ever since.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
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End the tour with the sweet saltiness of fudge of a Findlay Market cookie.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Reiner made a film that was poignant and inspiring, and Shaiman's music captures not only the spirit of the film, but of the dear friend who made it.—
Tracy Smith,
CBS News,
1 Mar. 2026
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My dear compatriots, Decisive moments lie before us.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fair-haired.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair-haired. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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