Definition of fairnext
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as in pale
of light complexion fair people tend to sunburn easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
That is the fair and sustainable way to bring the welfare bill down to meet our fiscal rules and to honor our commitments on defense to our international partners. Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 At risk here, three securities law experts told Fortune, is whether the key markers of a fair market, like transparent, timely, and comparable information, are being chipped away. Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Noun
According to Moore, the first day of the 2026 State Fair saw 50% more visitors to the cannabis area than the first day of the 2025 fair. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026 The gallery has an international presence, having shown work at art fairs across the US, London, Basel, and Mexico City. News Desk, Artforum, 17 July 2026
Adverb
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 The committee for the career fair chose Beckwith as a speaker who would discuss the state of the economy in Indiana, McCall said. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Minka Kelly is ravishing in red while enjoying a sunny day in New York on July 20.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • From the Main Stage to sunny days on Sesame Street, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 11 winner Crystal Methyd‘s colorful rainbow of a reign is already off to an eclectic roster of places.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • The city is prioritizing equitable access to chargers, specifically for residents of apartments and multifamily housing, disadvantaged and underserved communities, small businesses and publicly accessible locations, according to the city’s website.
    Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Christensen hopes artists engaging with the river spurs conversation for more equitable green investments that benefit communities and the environment.
    Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • In December 2024, a Bucharest court ruled that the first case against the Tates and their two female associates couldn't proceed to trial because of multiple legal and procedural irregularities and sent it back to prosecutors.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • And some legal experts are now questioning whether the department is playing politics in an unprecedented way with a high-profile criminal investigation.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Indeed, the seeds are extremely small and can range in color from blue-black to gray, white or pale yellow, depending on the variety.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Bo grinned, staring at the pale-blue walls of the large classroom.
    Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • One promising sign is how billionaire investor Warren Buffett is handling his philanthropy.
    Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at Capital Economics, wrote Wednesday that while growth has long been expected to slow, the recent economic data held some promising signs of stabilizing consumer activity.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • In a video shared to Instagram on Thursday, July 16, the actress, 47, fluffs her new light blonde locks before making a heart with her hands.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • More recently, Chastain went blonde again as she was photographed filming yet another series in May.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Crosstrek also has decent off-road capability as a base model and can easily be enhanced with tires or purchased from the factory as a mean off-roading machine (Crosstrek Wilderness).
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 14 July 2026
  • Insiders added that the power striker, who also is a decent rapper himself, was on his best behavior.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Here was a team that played a beautiful, dominant style of soccer that enthralled the world and stymied opponents on its way to the World Cup final.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • This landmark resort is something of a Bajan institution, with elegant interiors and an awesomely beautiful setting that ensures it is consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in the Caribbean.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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