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 prospective juror said that his wife’s views wouldn’t get in the way of his ability to be fair and impartial, but Subramanian excused him anyway, agreeing with the defense. Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 While Congress sets the CBO’s priorities, the group prides itself on being objective, impartial, and nonpartisan. Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Her expertise lies in building boards with the right balance of domain expertise and impartial oversight, ensuring alignment between governance and investor confidence. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Lawmakers established the Congressional Budget Office more than 50 years ago to provide objective, impartial analysis to support the budget process. Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, equitable access to menopause care remains inconsistent—but innovators are stepping in.
    Sophie Okolo, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Based on these considerations, the judge will determine an equitable division of the proceeds from the sale.
    Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The second shoe was roughly equal to a U.S. men's size 14, which impressed the volunteers.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Under the blistering sun, protesters demanded equal rights for trans and gender-nonconforming people.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Proper mild cognitive impairment diagnosis requires a cognitive complaint by the patient or family member, objective evidence of cognitive impairment on testing, preserved independence in daily functioning, and confirmation that the person does not meet criteria for dementia.
    Nawab John Dar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
  • Though my objective portrayals may not appear overtly loving, there is love in the motivation behind them.
    Lydia Davis, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impartial

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