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

Examples 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

This is a fine way to think of them but doesn’t seem fair in this circumstance. —

R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024 At the time, Santa’s Slay got a fair amount of attention for its opening scene, in which an ensemble composed entirely of Jewish actors sits down for a Christmas dinner that turns into a bloodbath once Santa (Goldberg) punches his way down the chimney. —

Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024

Noun

This fair is developing a new, more efficient method of technology that doesn’t exist today. —

Kristen Moon, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Medieval knights, pirates, viking and fairies are swarming over 300 renaissance fairs in America right now, according to The Renlist. —

Analis Bailey, Axios, 3 Nov. 2024

Adverb

As the farm fair grew in popularity with larger crowds and new activities sprouting each year, Jim Torre III could be seen with two draft horses pulling a wagon fit for 30 riders. —

Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 23 July 2024 This year’s figure is slightly above the 277 galleries that took part in the marquee US fair last year; the 2022 edition also hosted 283 exhibitors. —

Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for fair

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair

Adjective

In recent years, Napa wineries have hosted the event in April, welcoming the gentle warmth and hint of summer, while Healdsburg in Sonoma County follows up in mid-July, allowing guests to bask in the sunny California days and cool evenings.

Noel Burgess, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The rest of the week was expected to provide residents with sunny skies with a high of 75 degrees.

Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024