UNFAIRLY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

unfairly

adverb

Definition of unfairly

as in cruelly

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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 The news of the investigation comes about two weeks after the monitor overseeing the union for the federal government published a scathing report in federal court, alleging that Fain did, indeed, retaliate unfairly against Boyer in 2024. — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 12 July 2026 There was widespread agreement in the room that the takeover issue had been reported in a sensational way that unfairly vilified teenagers. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 But local hoteliers say the proposal is riddled with problems, would unfairly impact hotels more than other businesses and might violate state law by applying flat fees to hotels instead of per-worker charges. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 Egypt exited the tournament but claimed it had been treated unfairly after Argentina overturned a 2-0 deficit to snatch victory with a stoppage-time winner from Enzo Fernández. — Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfairly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfairly

Adverb

The practice was criticized by advocates and others as cruelly targeting rule followers as low-hanging fruit to meet quotas.

— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
In the movie, Calypso is portrayed less cruelly, and is depicted as being in love with Odysseus.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Definition of cruelly

Adverb

Yet somehow, two decades later, the viciously antisemitic Vichy regime planted itself in power; a shocking betrayal by France of some of its most loyal and generous supporters, in a dehumanizing toxic swamp of suspicion, judgment, envy.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Formalizing the sports practice was a natural next step, Lopez said, as Paul Hastings operates in an industry where firms viciously compete for market share.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 13 July 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

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unfair

unfairly

unfairness

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“Unfairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfairly. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfairly

adverb

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