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
State Fair of Texas responds to criticism At the start of the 2025 fair, social media users posted about light crowds, with some blaming the high costs.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
17 Aug. 2026 Also, the backing is only triggered should SB Energy fail to find a new tenant at the same price and then is unable to sell the site for a fair value.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
17 Aug. 2026
Noun
Its career fair, which NABJ describes as the country's largest for Black journalists and media professionals, runs through Friday.—
Jamal Goss,
CBS News,
13 Aug. 2026 The fair is organized by AMP (Art Market Productions), which also organizes the Seattle Art Fair, Art on Paper, and the San Francisco Art Fair, and is under the leadership of director Kelly Freeman and artistic director Nato Thompson.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
12 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The addition of Breitling and the other newcomers further strengthens Watches and Wonders’ position as the industry's premier annual event, continuing a trend that has seen more brands choose the Geneva fair as their primary global showcase.—
Anthony Demarco,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026 Broward voters have the right to elect candidates who are fighting fair on as equal a playing field as possible.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fair
Fall is an ideal time to visit Cape Cod, when the summer crowds have thinned out a bit, but sunny days and just a hint of crispness at night are a delight.
—
Kim Foley MacKinnon,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2026
Mostly sunny skies and very little cloud cover will allow temperatures to rise quickly during the afternoon.
The Skoll Foundation catalyzes transformational social change by investing in, connecting, and championing social entrepreneurs and other social innovators who together advance bold and equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Aug. 2026
Councilwoman Joi Mayo said there was a lack of youth opportunities in her west Charlotte district and questioned whether the city had equitable programming.
The death sentence complicates any extradition under Russian law, but a decision not to hand over a former close ally to face justice would be far more political than legal, experts say.
—
Paula Hancocks,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2026
Bragg's office contends that the state charges, including murder and firearms offenses, involve different legal elements and criminal conduct than federal charges, which alleged Mangione traveled across state lines to stalk and kill Thompson.
Why would a promising young researcher accept a faculty offer of $120,000 with uncertain employment prospects when a technology company or defense contractor offers $180,000 on the first day?
—
Francisco Ruiz,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2026
These businesses operate in promising markets, but their potential does not necessarily make Boeing their best long-term owner.
The perfect size for a daypack, this backpack is large enough to fit a decent amount, such as a book, large headphones, a sweater, snacks and a water bottle, alongside your basic essentials like your wallet, phone and keys.
—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2026
No such problems with following the play existed at Tranmere, where, even in the 1980s, their long-term home afforded a decent view from behind both goals.
The beautiful, heirloom quality cookware is a quintessential gift or kitchen upgrade.
—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Aug. 2026
Nashville then moved two goals clear in the 56th minute when Cristian Espinoza sent a pass across toward the near post and Surridge converted nonchalantly with a beautiful heel flick.
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