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
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
The unrest comes on the eve of Art Basel Paris this week, sparking concerns about the impact this may have on the fair and a packed week of art events throughout the city.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
19 Oct. 2026 So, of course, questions about Steichen's job status are fair.—
Armando Salguero Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2026
Noun
Visitors attending the fair on Friday will be required to show government ID.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2026 One of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art fairs, Art Basel includes exhibitions by 211 international galleries at Paris’ Grand Palais.—
Elitsa Gadeva,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Its contour stick—a viral TikTok phenom—boasts seven shades, covering fair to deep skin tones.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 Sep. 2026 Wojtas emphasized that the Arts, Beats & Eats art fair has something for everyone.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fair
Organizations need transparent goal-setting, equitable evaluation systems that don’t penalize flexibility and cultural change that values contribution over face time—a significant mindset shift.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
20 Oct. 2026
The most effective, equitable, and cost-effective solution is Medicare for All.
Federal authorities on Monday charged more than two dozen legal permanent residents in California in a crackdown on people accused of illegally voting or registering to do so.
—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Oct. 2026
Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.
Monday morning is not exactly prime time for dealership traffic, but a handful of prospective customers were in the showroom, which is a promising sign.
Rows of look-alike chorines would position their limbs in formation to create enormous kaleidoscopic designs, functioning in precision like an all-blonde, semi-nude, female Marine troop.
—
David Hajdu,
Vanity Fair,
20 Oct. 2026
On sunny days, a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows filters in lots of natural light, illuminating the sleek blond wood interiors.
Tall Tales, the rooftop lounge, offers a few small bites, such as elote guacamole, along with a menu of cocktails, wine, beer, and a decent selection of nonalcoholic options.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Oct. 2026
There should be a decent contingent of American cardinals and archbishops at the games.
Beyond cooking, Relota Luczo takes a shot of Furtuna Skin’s LXR06 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil on an empty stomach each morning to maintain her beautiful skin.
—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
25 Oct. 2026
Give the cake a final shake of fresh nutmeg for a beautiful presentation.
—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2026
Copy Citation
