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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
Ran 102 feet and slid to make the catch at the dirt cutout just inside fair territory. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025 Deeper skin tones will dig the peachy Petal, while fairer complexions might lean toward the kinda-beige Biscuit. Annie Blackman, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
The new rule applies to fairs and mass events, with penalties of up to six months in jail for violations. Natalia Cano, Billboard, 13 Apr. 2025 Country icons, ‘90s alternative bands and a chart-topping rap star from the late 2000s will all be in attendance over the fair’s 10 days. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Jobs time Hiring signage displayed at a job and resource fair hosted by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board in partnership with NCWorks in Hendersonville, North Carolina, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Michele Luhn, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024 Art Miami tickets get you into CONTEXT Art Miami, its sister fair focused on emerging and mid-career artists. Martin Vassolo, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Just like the name suggests, this moisture-wicking dress was designed to keep you cool on sunny, blisteringly hot days.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Your skin is exposed to UV rays both on cold, cloudy days and sunny ones.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Gender equity creates greater economies, improved communities and a more equitable world.
    Shikha Bajaj, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Again this year, Albany’s policymakers are choosing to ignore the constitutional promise of adequate and equitable school funding.
    Michael A. Rebell, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Kemsley, citing irreconcilable differences, is also requesting that her ex pay her legal fees.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • According to Katelyn Burns of MSNBC, the author donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland, a campaign group which brought legal challenges arguing that trans women should not be considered women.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • All four universal shades—Life of the Party, a pale peach; Class Act, a warm berry; Fashionably Late, a rosy taupe; and Chief of Everything, a poppy red—have a gentle white tea scent.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • For her ceremony in N.Y.C., the actress opted for pale green in the form of a flowing Carolina Herrera gown (which coordinated with wife Christine Marinoni's tie) and got her fix of bridal white with a bouquet of peonies.
    Alex Apatoff, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Accountant is hoping for at a second-place finish with a promising $23 million-$25 million after scoring strong reviews and exit scores, including an A- CinemaScore.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2025
  • This strategy is already showing a promising outcome.
    Xandra Harbet, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Thus far, Wall Street has had a decent start to the first-quarter earnings season.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The former Washington Husky has had a decent start to his 2025 season.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Set on the rugged and beautiful south Kona coast, this place of refuge was a safe haven for those who broke the kapu or sacred laws, transgressions punishable by death in old Hawaii.
    Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • While scented candles are ubiquitous in the world of home fragrance, the best reed diffusers bring just as beautiful of an ambiance to your space.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Speaking on his arrival in London with the foreign and defence ministers, Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak said the talks would focus on ways to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step to peace.
    Elizabeth Piper, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • At the same time, Becky Conner (Goranson) learned the true meaning of unconditional love after becoming a mom.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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