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 The government said that independence requirement merely means the task force is supposed to make recommendations based on their impartial medical and public-health judgments. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025 The court determined that prosecutors with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office made procedural errors during the trial that undermined the jury’s ability to reach an impartial verdict. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 Neutrality no longer demanded that states remain completely impartial in the face of aggression. Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Many consider the cases to be politically motivated, although Erdogan’s government contends that the courts are impartial and free of political involvement. Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • The Global Fund is already working with countries, communities and partners to prepare for rapid, equitable rollout — supporting regulatory readiness, delivery infrastructure and community engagement.
    Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Boise’s team has identified housing structures in the Lusk District, near Boise State, and is trying to find ways to create an equitable billing program for the geothermal system, according to Bre Brush, the mayor’s transportation adviser and a member of the team that worked on the proposal.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Warrior mindset: Being fair means treating everyone with equal respect and navigating situations with some thought and judgment.
    Marek Niedzwiedz, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Breakthroughs for the global game have also included the equal pay deal agreed stateside in 2022 by US Soccer, and a five-year rights agreement with broadcasters Sky Sports and the BBC for the English Women's Soccer League starting 2025 which is set to give unprecedented reach to matches.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • By focusing on objective criteria and standardizing evaluation processes, AI agents can help ensure that all candidates are assessed fairly.
    Ray Culver, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Blain said in the statement that the independent investigative report — and the censure vote — were not objective inquiries, but the result of politics.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impartial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!