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fair

2 of 3

noun

as in exhibit
a public showing of objects of interest a dazzling array of sleek cabin cruisers at the annual boat fair

Synonyms & Similar Words

fair

3 of 3

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fair contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fair are dispassionate, equitable, impartial, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is dispassionate a more appropriate choice than fair?

The words dispassionate and fair can be used in similar contexts, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

How are the words equitable and just related as synonyms of fair?

Equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

Where would impartial be a reasonable alternative to fair?

The meanings of impartial and fair largely overlap; however, impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

When would just be a good substitute for fair?

The words just and fair are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

In what contexts can objective take the place of fair?

While in some cases nearly identical to fair, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When can unbiased be used instead of fair?

In some situations, the words unbiased and fair are roughly equivalent. However, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

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 fair
Adjective
To be fair, Gwyneth Paltrow said fans could ask her anything. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 23 July 2025 Concert tickets purchased before arriving at the fair include admission to the fair. Belinda M. Paschal, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
Noun
To Golden Bear winner Joseph Haggard, co-founder of Emerald Spirit Botanicals of Willits, being recognized at the fair is a big honor. Kat Tran updated July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025 It’s been staged at innumerable casinos, state fairs, indoor theaters, and outdoor amphitheaters throughout Yankovic’s live career. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2025
Adverb
Job fair scheduled for Jan. 16 in Tinley Park Job seekers are invited to join the Southwest Job Fair, set for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 Sotheby’s marketing, like that of a luxury brand, had skilfully woven a narrative around the sensation that the banana sculpture, by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, created when first exhibited at the Art Basel Miami Beach fair in 2019. Scott Reyburn, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Warm, sunny weather optimizes the conditions for this sort of reaction, meaning unhealthy ozone levels are often seen in the summer.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Walsh adds that these issues won’t be solved without more equitable access to childcare for working-class families.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 July 2025
  • The fact is that allowing customer data to flow, under an equitable arrangement, is good not only for banks and fintechs but for society as a whole.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • While the ethics of true crime are often criticized nowadays, the First Amendment makes retelling these stories legal.
    John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2025
  • As machine learning systems become capable of astonishing feats—drafting legal briefs, diagnosing diseases, predicting consumer churn—our natural tendency is to trust them.
    Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The creature had pale orange stripes along its body, eyes on the side of its head and other physical characteristics of a Barbados threadsnake.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
  • Other signs include pale or yellow leaves all over, mushy stems, and visible fungus at the base of the plant.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Netflix is developing a Pride and Prejudice series with a promising cast that includes Emma Corrin as Elizabeth and Jack Lowden as Darcy.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • Women's health tech faces a trust gap Even with these promising results, trust remains a major barrier in women's health technology.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • When a president wants to do a decent job — at the least, respecting democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law — the magnet produces an administration of people who respect our institutions of self-government.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • The transparency mode is decent and keeps your surroundings sounding natural.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nicky Hilton Rothschild poses with some beautiful flowers at the Net-a-Porter & Mr Porter Summer in the Hamptons Cocktail Party in Sagaponack, N.Y. on July 17.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • So whether your interest involves creating beautiful spaces, improving people's health, or something completely different, there's no reason not to explore its business potential.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nonetheless, my hopeful response to my own question is that the transformed form of nature can also be the subject of humanity’s unconditional love.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 10 July 2025
  • The unconditional love a therapy dog provides when visiting those battling an illness can be that source of hope.
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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