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 state attorney in Tallahassee must file criminal charges against all involved in this public fraud and fiasco, if the scales of justice are truly impartial. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026

One controversial second of game clock later, Michigan fans were swarming the field to celebrate a Hail Mary that many impartial observers argued shouldn’t have happened. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

The level of media attention could also make picking a second impartial jury more difficult, a factor that could influence Cruz's decision. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

If prosecutors decide to retry Clancy, assembling an impartial jury will only be more difficult the next time around. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026