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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
The denim was selected by artist Kevork Mourad as a fine arts material for his presentation at the fair—the only international art fair in Europe dedicated to modern and contemporary art from the Middle East and North Africa region. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Oct. 2025 Given her reasons for breaking up with Jordan, these are interesting, fair questions. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
Applicants must demonstrate a consistent record of creative production or sales, such as taking part in art fairs, markets, exhibits or online sales. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025 In an August 2023 video on Alix’s TikTok, her two younger sisters, Izabel and Penelope, helped style her to attend the fair. Mckinley Franklin, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Adverb
The annual watch industry fair announced Tuesday the arrival of Audemars Piguet among the exhibitors in the 2026 edition, scheduled for April 14 to 20 in Geneva. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025 Meghan Markle attends the Terrance Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair at Nottingham Contemporary, in England, on December 1, 2017. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
    Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The weather is expected to be mostly sunny, becoming partly cloudy, with a high near 56 and a low around 40.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Probitkin said Jefferson Health's goal is to maintain an equitable relationship with UnitedHealthcare with fair reimbursement levels that will benefit patients and enable LVHN to continue providing the highest quality of care, regardless of insurer.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote that the next mayor can lobby at the state level for more equitable funding for public schools.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The document stated that NFL personnel may participate in legal non-sports gambling on personal time (when not traveling on club or league business), including during the season.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Through the third quarter of this year, legal sports betting generated $10 billion in revenue, up about 19% from the same period a year ago, according to the American Gaming Association.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Add the white and pale green scallion pieces, cooking and stirring occasionally until the scallions are slightly charred, about 3 minutes.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Its legs are a similar pale yellow color covered with irregular black and dark-brown markings, according to Omelko.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His career, once so promising, seemed to be slipping away.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The promising honors student had mysteriously vanished after spending an evening with friends at a local bar then leaving alone without her cellphone and stopping at a gas station next door, Houston police said.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Like a romping rhino, the Supersports skirted the limits of decent behavior with an urge to charge every now and again.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The Browns ran with decent success at edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, a frequent target of opposing run games, even when Chaisson did not align at his usual right outside linebacker position.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a nutshell, the Trojan prince Paris sails to Sparta to capture Helen, the beautiful wife of the king of Sparta, Menelaus.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Your partnership is beautiful to watch.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, the princess thanked her mom for her unconditional support.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Your love for the city, your team, and its players is unconditional.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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