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 events test longstanding norms separating the White House from Department of Justice (DOJ) decision-making—a boundary traditionally aimed at preserving public confidence in impartial justice. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Spencer believes the defense may ask to move the case out of Utah County to ensure an impartial panel. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Guterres also announced that nominations were now open for candidates to join the new International Independent Scientific Panel on AI, designed to provide impartial scientific evidence on the impacts of the technology. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025 Part of the job, said Mandy, is to be transparent, keeping the public informed of city meetings, maintaining accurate records, and helping to manage public meetings and elections in a fair and impartial manner. Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • To advocate for and support policies that ensure a healthy, safe, equitable and respectful learning environment, as well as a sense of belonging for each student in our school community.
    Pioneer Press elections team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Ensure equitable pay at the moment decisions are made.
    Katica Roy, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The bank upgraded the wafer fab equipment maker to overweight from equal weight and hiked its price target to $1,200 from $750.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In 1918, Soviet women were given the right to higher education, equal pay, no-fault civil divorce, child support (including for children born out of wedlock), paid maternity leave, and access to free maternity hospitals.
    Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Making union registration swift, objective, and transparent would demonstrate genuine respect for the rule of law – and for the workers whose labor drives Cambodia’s growth.
    Sourcing Journal, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Overseeing the district superintendent and treasurer are among the most important roles a school board plays, and this responsibility needs to be taken seriously with objective standards, transparently applied.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 21 Oct. 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!