UNFAIRLY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

unfairly

adverb

Definition of unfairly

as in cruelly

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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 unfairly Regan remains in his job and alleges that he’s being unfairly targeted over his advocacy for the billionaire tax. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 Grand jury proceedings are kept confidential to allow people to testify freely without worrying about consequences and so that the subjects of an investigation are not unfairly tainted before the jury can decide whether to file charges against them. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 As a result, Brown has positioned himself as someone who has stayed defiant in the face of those who would unfairly try to bring him down. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 The town approved the plan and a collection of neighbors sued, claiming they’d be unfairly subjected to more noise and traffic. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfairly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfairly

Adverb

And, if Barisone was psychotically deluded, how was the jury meant to understand the defense’s central framing, which was that Kanarek had cruelly tried to harm Barisone?

— Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Hansen can be cruelly mocking towards his oft-flustered but extremely professional producer Andie Bender (an astonishingly good Merritt Wever).

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of cruelly

Adverb

He had been viciously attacked seemingly while asleep, struck multiple times in the face with a sharp, ax-like instrument, The Herald News reported.

— Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Some of the attacks were viciously personal, like about how a deceased family member deserved to die.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of viciously

Adverb

Victim Nyron Shaw’s father said the driver who mowed his son down last year in Ocean Hill a day before Independence Day should face the maximum penalty for allegedly driving twice the speed limit and heartlessly taking off, leaving his son to die.

— Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
In the process, Joel heartlessly killed some innocent people, including medical professionals.

— EW.com, EW.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Definition of heartlessly

Adverb

In your case, the truth is that this friend has been ruthlessly — and rudely — taking advantage of your good nature.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Ritter has disciplined Menapace after the lawmaker acted rudely or abusively to a committee clerk.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026

Definition of rudely

Browse Nearby Words

unfair

unfairly

unfairness

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“Unfairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfairly. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfairly

adverb

Example Sentences

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