fairly

adverb

fair·​ly ˈfer-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
Synonyms of fairlynext
1
: in a handsome manner
a table fairly set
2
obsolete
a
: in a gentle manner : quietly
b
: in a courteous manner
3
: so to speak : nearly, practically
fairly bursting with pride
4
a
: in a proper or legal manner
fairly priced stocks
b
: without bias or distortion : impartially
a story told fairly and objectively
5
: to a full degree or extent : plainly, distinctly
had fairly caught sight of him
6
: rather sense 5, moderately
a fairly easy job

Synonyms of fairly

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Examples of fairly in a Sentence

It's a fairly common disease. I told the story as fairly as possible. He reports fairly on the issues. He beat me fairly and squarely.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While inflation data has been hot, the unemployment rate has been fairly steady. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The Will County state’s attorney’s office couldn’t fairly investigate its own conduct, Andreano argued. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Valkyria got back into the match fairly quickly and the brawl was on. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 It's been spread fairly evenly throughout the year with no long gaps in rain. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fairly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fairly was before the 12th century

Rhymes for fairly

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Browse Nearby Words

fair leather
fairly
fairm
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Cite this Entry

“Fairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fairly

adverb
fair·​ly ˈfa(ə)r-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
ˈfe(ə)r-
1
: in a favorable manner
fairly situated
2
: in a manner of speaking : nearly
fairly bursting with pride
3
: in a fair manner : justly
treat each person fairly
4
: for the most part : rather
a fairly easy job
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