FAIR Synonyms: 661 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fair 1 of 3

adjective

ˈfer

Definition of fair next

as in sunny

not stormy or cloudy we prayed for fair weather during our vacation at the beach

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as in equitable

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias a commanding officer who enjoyed the respect of his soldiers because his decisions were always fair

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as in legal

following or according to the rules a hockey player who is respected for his fair play

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as in pale

of light complexion fair people tend to sunburn easily

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as in promising

having qualities which inspire hope as long as the team keeps playing as hard as they can, they have a fair chance of winning—no matter what the scoreboard says

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as in blonde

of a pale yellow or yellowish brown color the abundance of people with fair hair in Scandinavia

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as in decent

of average to below average quality for what they charged us, the painters should have done better than a fair job of painting the house

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as in beautiful

very pleasing to look at generally considered the fairest girl in town, she had no lack of boyfriends

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as in unconditional

having no exceptions or restrictions it would take a fair miracle for that project to be finished on time

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as in deserved

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong most thought his dismissal was fair since he had been given many chances to clean up his act

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as in pristine

free from dirt or stain a handwritten thank-you letter requires nothing less than a sheet of fair white paper

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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

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fair

3 of 3

adverb

as in legally

according to the rules or the law we expect everyone on this basketball court to play fair

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as in almost

chiefly British very close to but not completely it fair takes your breath away when you find out what properties in London are going for

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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

Good labor practices, such as providing fair compensation and a safe work environment, are an integral part of business ethics. —

Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025 To its great credit, the Trump administration is pointing to a more just and fair future and one in keeping with our deepest ideals. —

The Editors, National Review, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

Its biannual street fairs draw massive crowds, while lively nightlife ensures there’s always something happening. —

Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025 If the market woes of 2024 continue, expect 2025 to winnow the field of art fairs, auction houses, and galleries. —

The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Adverb

Art Miami tickets get you into CONTEXT Art Miami, its sister fair focused on emerging and mid-career artists. —

Martin Vassolo, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 Discussions between Karman and Pucker began after the art fair moved from September 2020 to April 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. —

Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fair

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair

Adjective

With them, the ownership has brought a sunny sense of optimism which often feels unique to Americans.

— Hannah Ryan, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Wednesday is forecast to be sunny, but temperatures are not expected to climb above freezing until Thursday.

— Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025