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 Public confidence in the FDA is achieved only when thorough and impartial scientific processes are followed. Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026 The court found that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors, depriving Murdaugh of an impartial jury, and ordered a new trial. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Educational exchange succeeds when institutions are viewed as impartial facilitators of knowledge rather than instruments of influence. Ekramy El Zaghat, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 In other words, recognition matters, but true, impartial inclusion matters even more. Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • While pay-transparency laws and talent shortages can create more equitable gains for employees, the reality is that wealth gains remain modest at the bottom and substantial at the top.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Zay was seeking immediate equitable relief and asked to be reinstated as commissioner while it was determined if his removal complied with Indiana Code.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Tropical Storm Edouard spaghetti models Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Prepare to be psychologically ruined by the performances from both Carrey and Winslet, which are compelling and heart-wrenching in equal measure.
    Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • While the class was divided between protectionists and free-traders, the teacher gave no indication of his own views, and the textbook presented objective facts along with arguments from both sides.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On any objective comparison, our project should have survived.
    Aurelien Mangano, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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