fair-weather

adjective

fair-weath·​er ˈfer-ˌwe-t͟hər How to pronounce fair-weather (audio)
1
: loyal only during a time of success
a fair-weather friend
2
: suitable for or done during fair weather
a fair-weather sail

Examples of fair-weather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Rhee noted that such privileges have fed into less favorable views of Korean Americans as spoiled opportunists — fair-weather Koreans who had left the country when things were tough only to return now that the going is good. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 No one will use this car in inclement conditions, but rather as a fair-weather machine to be seen and heard in—pure and simple. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024 And he’s shown himself to be more than a fair-weather fan, supporting the team through tough personal challenges. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 1 Aug. 2024 Audiobooks ease the unspoken pressure that fair-weather readers know all too well. Melissa Mason, refinery29.com, 2 July 2024 Come one, come all — even fair-weather fans who boarded the team bandwagon recently, who still might not be sure what icing or a power play means. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2024 Many like him feel like these apostates among Tesla’s faithful have been little more than fair-weather friends of Musk. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 June 2024 Among the hottest trending spots on Mastercard’s list is Tokyo, where the yen is down significantly compared to the U.S. dollar, as well as fair-weather favorites including Aruba in the Caribbean and Cancun, Mexico, which are in the top 10. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2024 Electrifying theater and live music are available during this surprisingly fair-weather weekend in metro Detroit. Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fair-weather was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near fair-weather

Cite this Entry

“Fair-weather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fair-weather. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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