Synonyms of impartial

impartial 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpär-shəl 

as in equitable

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias

an impartial evaluation of the job applicant's qualifications that does not consider age, gender, or race

Synonyms & Similar Words

• equitable
• equal
• objective
• unbiased
• disinterested
• candid
• indifferent
• dispassionate
• unprejudiced
• square
• evenhanded
• fair
• nonpartisan
• just
• frank
• straightforward
• reasonable
• balanced
• rational
• forthright
• open
• straight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partial
• biased
• partisan
• unjust
• inequitable
• deceptive
• dishonest
• unreasonable
• deceitful
• arbitrary
• prejudiced
• nonobjective
• one-sided
• unconscionable
• ex parte
• colored
• unfriendly
• parti pris
• unsympathetic
• jaundiced
• distorted
• warped

impartiality

2 of 2

noun

as in objectivity

lack of favoritism toward one side or another

the defense lawyers challenged the impartiality of the presiding judge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• objectivity
• neutrality
• neutralism
• objectiveness
• evenhandedness
• fairness
• nonpartisanship
• disinterest
• disinterestedness
• justice
• equity
• fair-mindedness
• tolerance
• detachment
• indifference
• unconcern
• apathy
• broad-mindedness
• open-mindedness
• straddling
• fence-sitting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bias
• prejudice
• favor
• partiality
• partisanship
• favoritism
• subjectivity
• chauvinism
• nepotism
• one-sidedness
• tendency
• inclination
• predisposition
• nonobjectivity
• propensity
• predilection
• penchant
• proclivity
• subjectiveness
• bent
• prejudgment
• preconception
• leaning

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

Recent Examples of impartial

Adjective

Because God is also divine Principle, God is impartial and doesn’t play favorites, just like the sun shines on all. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Sep. 2026

Hardly an impartial judge of his own life, the Unabomber’s stated willingness to serve as the face of a revolutionary movement is chilling. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

Kushner’s role in the Gaza talks called for impartiality, but Hamas negotiators might have had reason to be skeptical. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Reitano also stated that the benefits that people like her could bring to the bench would come from impartiality itself rather than diversity of prosecutorial and defense backgrounds alone. — Rafael Perez, Daily News, 8 Sep. 2026