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 Clancy's defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, had previously asked the judge to limit the number of first responders to eliminate the risk of unfairly prejudicial repetitive testimony to his client. — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Although most Americans perhaps (unfairly) associate Wisconsin with flat farmland, dairy, and cheese, the Badger State also has plenty to offer in terms of gorgeous scenery. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026 As someone with post-traumatic stress disorder, Flehinger also thinks he was unfairly judged for some of his past behavior. — Margie Cullen, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Last week, Novo sued Lilly, alleging that Lilly's advertisements unfairly compare its drugs with older, lower doses of Novo's treatments and do not reflect newer data on high-dose Wegovy. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfairly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfairly

Adverb

Rubio did not finish the stage — his Tour cruelly over, just two days before Paris.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 July 2026
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

Definition of cruelly

Adverb

Enzo Fernandez, who already was booked for a first-half yellow card, viciously tackled Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
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

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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfairly

adverb

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