fair 1 of 3

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

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
Visitors attend the booth of German car producer Volkswagen Group on the opening day of the IAA MOBILITY 2025 automobile fair on September 09, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025 The lawsuit says the plaintiffs were deprived of fair competition by Hernandez’s inclusion on their sports teams, claiming a Title IX violation. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
The past twelve months alone have seen the cancellation or postponement of four major art fairs, and year-over-year decreases in art sales at blue-chip auction houses. News Desk, Artforum, 9 Sep. 2025 These include craft fairs, outdoor live music, pumpkin displays, chili cook-offs, s'mores and hot chocolate. Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Linden said a recent visit to another specialty toy fair showed his concerns about the state of the overall industry are widespread. Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 June 2025 Elgin recently hosted a landlord fair attended by about 70 property owners. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Maintenance To Prevent Brown Spots Again, maintaining a picture-perfect lawn can be laborious,​​ especially in the sunny South, where the temperatures can fluctuate.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Civil rights leaders criticized the federal government at the time for failing to prioritize equitable access in communities of color.
    Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • These include helping your family, helping your group, demonstrating reciprocity, demonstrating bravery, respecting a hierarchy and your superiors, dividing resources in an equitable way and respecting ownership of property.
    Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Paxton’s legal problems include criminal charges related to securities fraud in 2015.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As the exclusive bargaining representative of NBA players, the NBPA licenses agents and thereby gives them the legal right to represent players in contract negotiations.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One moment, the Sound of Sleat is a sheet of silver under a pale sun; the next, wind drives rain sideways into the distillery’s courtyard, rattling the pagoda roof.
    Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Curiosity and possibly even lust play into their first encounter; part of the welcome complexity between this pale-skinned woman of substance and this tall, equally alabaster, formerly dead drink of water is the ambiguity in their initial interactions.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With a combined score of 15, Leavitt is off to a promising start in the competition.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Then that data went to at least two or three judges for review, while all the most promising creams, tools, and polishes were passed out to Allure editors for testing.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Padres might come to regret trading Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek, but another trade deadline acquisition, Freddy Fermin, has provided a decent upgrade at a position of glaring weakness.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • One is the character of the factory owner, Baek Joo-sang, who has a very dark, hidden side to him, but who is also considered a good boss and decent person by the people around him.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Derek commented that the dance was beautiful to watch and called her a breath of fresh air.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout the colorful pages, each of the beautiful homes are featured along with family members.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These include the New York City Bridge Project, which provided unconditional cash support to low-income mothers, and the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot, which gave 5,000 households a monthly stipend of $500 for 12 months.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In the clip, Saúl sat with one of his father’s WBC belts draped proudly over his shoulder while Canelo spoke about unconditional support.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fair

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!