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
  • Business models will hinge on electricity markups, adoption rates, and policy regulation to balance private investment with equitable access.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Caring Across Generations is a national organization of family caregivers, care workers, disabled people and aging adults who are working to make care more accessible, affordable and equitable for everyone.
    Katherine Schaffstall, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • An erg is a unit of energy equal to 10−7 joules (100 nJ).
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • According to a staff report, the project complies with Antioch’s General Plan as well as zoning and objective standards.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The evidence of decline is seen in objective behavior, not just self-reporting.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impartial

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