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Definition of fairnext
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as in pale
of light complexion fair people tend to sunburn easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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fair

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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

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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 state has already given appraisals for the homes to each owner, offering fair-market value. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026 Clocking in More than 75 employers were taking resumes and talking to prospective new hires at a career fair in Lake Forest, CA on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Alex Harring, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
His department has hosted more hiring fairs around the city. Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 30 Dec. 2025 The fair is organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
Adverb
The style was applied widely at the Salon Art + Design gallery fair earlier this month, where a familiar yet restrained Art Deco revival seemed to be in full force. Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 24 Nov. 2025 But with La Tiara signs outside the Gladstone plant and the hiring fair scheduled, those concerns can safely be put to rest. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fair
Adjective
  • Make sure to position them in sunny, south-facing windows that offer 6 to 8 hours of bright sunlight daily.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Temperatures the rest of the week will remain above normal with mostly cloudy mornings but sunny afternoons.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Leo’s homily called for peace and equitable redistribution of resources, signaling his pontificate can now advance his own agenda after months consumed by the celebration.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • According to Instagram posts from Brown's consulting company, Roundtree's priorities include equitable economic development, parks, investing in youth, and a justice system focused on prevention and rehabilitation.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This type of political spending is legal under California law.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • No legal responsibility was ever assigned to Woroniecki in connection with the Yates children's deaths.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Egg yolks can range in color from pale yellow to deep orange.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Think pale hues with a sober gray tint or tranquil neutrals.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Browns Cleveland boasts an elite defense led by the league’s best pass rusher, an owner who spends more cash than any other team and a promising nucleus from the 2025 draft class.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Creativity, romance and pleasure take on a more serious tone, and a connection could feel both exciting and promising.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His blonde-colored mane rested on the hood of his black sweatshirt while his black skates with fat red laces dangled in the air.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Viewers watched as Chase’s character struggled to keep his eyes on the road when the blonde bombshell beside him sped past in her sports car.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • To be sure, that was a decent salary back then, and would be equivalent to roughly $114,000 today.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • On Wednesday, the Tigers earned a commitment from former Mississippi State offensive lineman Luke Work, who has decent experience at every position along the offensive line except center.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His son is in the beginning, messy, beautiful process of becoming.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • There’s also a lot going on in the personal lives of the folks at 51, the biggest being Boden’s wedding, which — despite a glitch with Herrmann’s offer to hold the event at his church — winds up being a beautiful affair.
    Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fair. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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