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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
Publicly standing for independent union registration and championing fair application of the law would send a clear message that freedom of association in sourcing destinations such as Cambodia is non-negotiable. Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025 Research shows that parents balance this transition most effectively not through surveillance but through showing genuine interest in their children’s lives, setting fair boundaries and staying connected. Caitlin Cavanagh, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
The meals were invoiced as food for wellness fairs, family fun days and other Foundation events. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025 The new fair will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District. News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2025
Adverb
The annual watch industry fair announced Tuesday the arrival of Audemars Piguet among the exhibitors in the 2026 edition, scheduled for April 14 to 20 in Geneva. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025 Meghan Markle attends the Terrance Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair at Nottingham Contemporary, in England, on December 1, 2017. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Men who worked in agriculture and forestry often retreated to the cities and towns of sunny southern California for the winter.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Skies are expected to remain sunny Thursday heading into the weekend.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • To advocate for and support policies that ensure a healthy, safe, equitable and respectful learning environment, as well as a sense of belonging for each student in our school community.
    Pioneer Press elections team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Ensure equitable pay at the moment decisions are made.
    Katica Roy, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These exemptions generally cover urgent humanitarian or legal circumstances.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • So far, European countries have used the profits generated by such assets to financially aid Kyiv, but some countries have been concerned about further measures due to potential financial and legal issues.
    Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ratty pale jeans, band T-shirt.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Still, the Ottoman-style architecture and the pale pink of a nearby Orthodox church distinguish ski towns and resorts like Brezovica and Jahorina.
    Naomi Tomky, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More promising still is Dell’s use of Salesforce’s AI agents to automate parts of its supply chain, including onboarding new suppliers, which has cut its average onboarding time from months to days.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • While the New York Giants haven't played well over the past few years, there have been some promising signs over the past few weeks.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Newcastle’s Under-18s are third in their league which, on the face of it, looks decent, but winning is not everything.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • There's some decent rain chances the rest of the week, so keep an umbrella handy.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is a pie with a beautiful, super creamy texture that’s not too sweet, and allows for the flavor of the sweet potatoes to shine through.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Kirbi, that rasp is so beautiful at the top of your register.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, the princess thanked her mom for her unconditional support.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Your love for the city, your team, and its players is unconditional.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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