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
Elections in this state, like most states, are free and fair and transparent and run by real pros.—Arkansas Online,
31 Oct. 2026 To be fair, this Florida team has shown flashes of something better under Sumrall, a fiery, demanding coach who seems to possess the edge, intensity and attitude necessary to eventually challenge Smart.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Oct. 2026
Noun
This is the November 6, 2026 edition of True Colors, a look inside the global deals and colorful critiques that make the art world go round, with a weekly guide to the must-see openings, auctions, and fairs.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
6 Nov. 2026 Despite its many perks, the Premium Discovery pass will not gain visitors entry to the fair’s inaugural preview day, and will only get them into the three-hour vernissage on the second preview day.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
6 Nov. 2026
Adverb
Climate was top of the agenda at Première Vision Paris as the global textiles fair took place in the still-sweltering 27-degree Centigrade (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) heat following a summer marred by record heat across Europe.—
Ellen Groves,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 2026 Its contour stick—a viral TikTok phenom—boasts seven shades, covering fair to deep skin tones.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fair
On a recent, sunny Friday afternoon, Daniel Stromberg sat in the hospital cafeteria at University of Illinois Health, with a set of purple pens and white business cards spread out on the table, as people streamed in and out.
—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Nov. 2026
Sunday is expected to be sunny with a high near 63 and a low around 47 under clear skies overnight.
Despite Newsom’s push to commute all death sentences, capital punishment remains legal in California and prosecutors can continue seeking that punishment.
—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Nov. 2026
By Friday, his interior minister, chief of staff, legal adviser and political adviser had all quit.
Madison’s Dior shoes went with a custom strapless Dior dress in shining shades of silver and pale gray.
—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2026
After a consultation with Marchetto, Garnett settled on adding a spattering of dark brown leather floral motifs, to complement the navy and pale blue check.
Astronomers have cataloged more than 6,000 exoplanets and are examining the atmospheres of promising worlds for gases that could indicate biological activity.
After Pittsburgh failed to score during nearly 4½ straight minutes of power-play time early in the second, Gauthier beat Silovs with a beautiful no-look shot for his first goal.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Nov. 2026
Mayor Matt Mahan told the crowd that the flower is the perfect symbol for a city with a beautiful past and a bright future.
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