Definition of impartialnext

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 values imparted to me throughout my public school education — equal opportunity, impartial justice, respect for expertise, basic honesty — have been abandoned by a new breed of politician that has turned governance itself into a blood sport. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Sims, a Jackson State University professor, argues that while weather is impartial, its devastating consequences are amplified by economic disparities, historical context, and cultural norms. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Others argued that her past posts raise concerns about her ability to remain impartial in a leadership role. Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Our reviews are impartial and our opinions are our own. Paul Ridden june 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • In this legal battle, the states pursue a near-complete annexation of the company, not equitable restitution for some alleged crime.
    David B Mcgarry, Oc Register, 8 July 2026
  • Committee Chair Alysia Davis Steadman said an equitable solution to economic mobility for the community could be found without a station.
    DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Molinar’s settlement is equal to the sum of one year’s salary and benefits, according to the separation agreement released by Fort Worth ISD officials on Tuesday in response to an open records request.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • If, by chance, Mbappe and Messi were to end the tournament with an equal number of goals and assists, the award would go to the player who achieved those goals/assists in the fewest number of minutes.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Note that this has nothing to do with what is the actual or objective truth in the situation.
    Susan MacKenty Brady, Fortune, 14 July 2026
  • Another highly objective way to cut a losing trade is simply exiting the moment the MACD makes a bearish crossover.
    Nishant Pant, CNBC, 14 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on impartial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster