Synonyms of impartial

impartial

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpär-shəl 

as in equitable

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias

an impartial evaluation of the job applicant's qualifications that does not consider age, gender, or race

Synonyms & Similar Words

• equitable
• equal
• objective
• unbiased
• disinterested
• candid
• indifferent
• dispassionate
• unprejudiced
• square
• evenhanded
• fair
• nonpartisan
• just
• frank
• straightforward
• reasonable
• balanced
• rational
• forthright
• open
• straight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partial
• biased
• partisan
• unjust
• inequitable
• deceptive
• dishonest
• unreasonable
• deceitful
• arbitrary
• prejudiced
• nonobjective
• one-sided
• unconscionable
• ex parte
• colored
• unfriendly
• parti pris
• unsympathetic
• jaundiced
• distorted
• warped

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

Recent Examples of impartial

The judge had said the court was not looking for jurors who knew nothing about the shooting but wanted those who could be impartial. —CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

Judge Sid Harle told several hundred potential jurors that the court was not looking for jurors who know nothing about the shooting but wants those who can be impartial. —Valerie Gonzalez, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

The trial was moved from Uvalde to Corpus Christi, 200 miles away, after defense attorneys and prosecutors agreed a change of venue would be the best way to find an impartial jury. —Jim Vertuno, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026

Justice in the American system is supposed to be blind and impartial. —Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026