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 No Fallen Heroes Foundation, also said the co-pilot, who is 20, is being unfairly criticized in social media. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026 Bertha and George Russell remain at odds, as George recovers from being shot by a malcontent and continues to unfairly blame Bertha for everything that’s gone wrong in his perpetual quest to become the most powerful man in New York. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 And critics say tougher error penalties from Washington have led states to unfairly disqualify many SNAP applicants. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 In 1945, one of her two brothers was beaten for wearing a zoot suit, an ensemble then popular with Black and Mexican-American men who were often unfairly labeled as delinquents. — Jasmine Aguilera, Time, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfairly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfairly

Adverb

No matter how cruelly politicians and pundits discuss them, and no matter how desensitized the American people become by this rhetoric, immigrant kids are still kids.

— Hannah Harshe, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of cruelly

Adverb

The economist was infamous in London’s philosophical circles for arguing fervently—and, many thought, heartlessly—against poor relief.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of heartlessly

Adverb

So maybe the sting has not dissipated, not after the Brewers so rudely swept the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Kelly Clarkson is feuding with a magic and games store in Brooklyn, New York, claiming she was treated rudely after inquiring about a product, according to social media posts shared over the weekend.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfairly

adverb

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