Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective impartial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impartial are dispassionate, equitable, fair, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

When could dispassionate be used to replace impartial?

The synonyms dispassionate and impartial are sometimes interchangeable, 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 do equitable and just relate to one another, in the sense of impartial?

Equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

In what contexts can fair take the place of impartial?

The words fair and impartial can be used in similar contexts, but fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is just a more appropriate choice than impartial?

The words just and impartial 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

When would objective be a good substitute for impartial?

While in some cases nearly identical to impartial, 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 might unbiased be a better fit than impartial?

In some situations, the words unbiased and impartial 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 impartial Some supporters and critics alike of the 10-year, $37 million-per-year special property tax levy have been taken aback by the degree to which the school district may have crossed the line from sharing impartial information to advocacy. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025 In a supporting document filed by Kalshi in the Nevada case in April, Kalshi head of markets Xavier Sottile noted how ErisX, a predecessor to the current sports prediction market craze, previously butted up against the impartial access issue. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025 Such changes do more than convey impartial information. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 The essence of impartial justice is treating like conduct alike—not identifying the target and then finding the crime. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • Opening a business with 2% margins in a city that already gets top scores for equitable access to groceries sounds like a losing proposition.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The practice of adding fluoride to public water systems started in the United States in 1945 to help improve oral health in a cost-effective and equitable way.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bibby is equal parts intense and relaxed in practices.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The outing—which, according to local reports, appeared to be equal parts publicity stunt, cultural gesture, and celebration of potential new AI partnerships—drew throngs of spectators with flashing cameras, and sent South Korean fried-chicken stocks soaring.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That same day, the moon will reach its first-quarter phase in Aquarius, reminding us to remain objective amidst the swirling intensity brought on by the sun’s journey through Scorpio.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The role of the traditional dining critic is to present authentic, objective restaurant experiences to the public.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impartial

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