Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective impartial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impartial are dispassionate, equitable, fair, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

When could dispassionate be used to replace impartial?

The synonyms dispassionate and impartial are sometimes interchangeable, 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 do equitable and just relate to one another, in the sense of impartial?

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

the equitable distribution of the property

In what contexts can fair take the place of impartial?

The words fair and impartial can be used in similar contexts, but fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is just a more appropriate choice than impartial?

The words just and impartial 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

When would objective be a good substitute for impartial?

While in some cases nearly identical to impartial, 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 might unbiased be a better fit than impartial?

In some situations, the words unbiased and impartial 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 impartial In a statement released Monday, both parties claimed that Biden influenced the decision of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., or CFIUS, which evaluates foreign investments for potential national security threats, and breached the companies’ right to an impartial review. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025 Randy Grice, the former chair of the now-defunct North Miami Citizens Investigative Board, said his board had fulfilled an important function in the community: giving residents an impartial way to review uncomfortable encounters with law enforcement. Matthew Cupelli, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025 Carter’s ability to remain impartial earned him the trust of both Sadat and Begin. Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 The oversight council that made the decision was not entirely impartial, however, seeing its membership included another of Relga's brothers, Bargh. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impartial 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • Leaders must prioritize governance frameworks that ensure AI systems are ethical, equitable, and transparent.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Without equitable access, women were not able to fully participate in life outside the home.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Initially, the gathering was intended to discuss our common profession, but over the years the monthly sessions have become equal parts personal and career talk.
    Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The result is that today Israel rules over populations of Palestinians and of Jewish Israelis that are almost equal in number but disturbingly skewed in terms of rights and wealth and outlook.
    Max Rodenbeck, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And there’s not a lot of objective good in a spy business.
    Max Gao, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The rules are objective, but the results depend on other nations’ recognition.
    Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near impartial

Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impartial

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