having qualities which inspire hope
as long as the team keeps playing as hard as they can, they have a fair chance of winning—no matter what the scoreboard says
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
most thought his dismissal was fair since he had been given many chances to clean up his act
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
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Recent Examples of fair
Adjective
The fair’s 24th edition will bring together exhibitors from 63 cities in 27 countries, with 45 of them participating for the first time.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
3 Aug. 2026 But, to be fair to men, the old standards of success have become harder to achieve.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
3 Aug. 2026
Noun
Not simply to attend career fairs or hand out brochures but to give students real exposure to industries, career paths and professionals.—
Valerie McGehee,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2026 Additionally, a portion of the fair’s ticket sales will go toward the ninth annual NADA Acquisition Gift for PAMM, which funds the acquisition of an artwork at the fair by the Pérez Art Museum Miami.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
3 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Broward voters have the right to elect candidates who are fighting fair on as equal a playing field as possible.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2026 The committee for the career fair chose Beckwith as a speaker who would discuss the state of the economy in Indiana, McCall said.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fair
His campaign priorities included prioritizing equitable tax reform, expanding public transportation programs and affordable housing incentives, and strengthening Jackson County’s moratorium on private detention centers.
—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
5 Aug. 2026
The review, initiated by Supervisor Holly Mitchell, aims to ensure equitable funding.
Investigators were able to trace the gun to a legal purchase in Keene, New Hampshire, made by one of the straw purchasers of the scheme, according to the detention memo.
—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
9 Aug. 2026
Features like autoplay, infinite scroll and algorithmic content recommendations have been the prime targets of legal arguments that social media platforms are designed to be addictive.
Because pale layers form between June and September and dark ones from October to April, the position of the ash inside a couplet enables relatively precise timing.
—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
9 Aug. 2026
The changes could also spell disaster for children with disabilities, as state requirements for services often pale in comparison to Head Start’s federal mandates.
Explainability is the bridge between a promising pilot and real production.
—
Rick Morris,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2026
One promising way forward is for cities and counties to invest in community hubs, such as public libraries, or create new gathering spaces across communities.
The trumpets required skilled metal workers capable of making both a beautiful and working musical instrument.
—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
10 Aug. 2026
In a city filled with incredible architecture and spellbinding heritage buildings, the Ortaköy Mosque is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see.
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