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 Polis defended the decision by arguing that Peters' personal views about the election, protected by the First Amendment, unfairly led to a lengthy prison sentence. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Warnock touted the inclusion of his Appraisal Modernization Act, which would provide recourse for homeowners who believe their property appraisals are unfairly low. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Powerful allies, vital for global influence and technological collaboration, are often unfairly criticized, jeopardizing crucial trade and security ties. — Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 In response to the USTR’s investigation, Lula’s government rejected, among other grievances, the argument that its PIX instant payment system unfairly disadvantaged competing electronic payment services. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfairly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfairly

Adverb

In the penalty shootout, Verbruggen seemed to have saved from Rahimi again — only to see the ball cruelly creep in off his back.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Christian Pulisic even had a goal cruelly wiped out by the offside flag.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

Definition of cruelly

Adverb

At the end of a two-week trial, the verdict went strongly in favor of Maria Avila, who was viciously attacked by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd owned by Brown, while emptying trash outside the singer’s Tarzana, California house.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
Anyone angry enough to punch someone else in the head that viciously should go straight to jail.

— Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 30 June 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

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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfairly

adverb

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