impartial 1 of 2

Definition of impartialnext

impartiality

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
Our reviews are impartial and our opinions are our own. Paul Ridden june 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2026 Legal experts say the phrase refers to an impartial group of people from the community where a case is being tried. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
Noun
For instance, traditional print outlets value such tenets as balance, impartiality, gatekeeping, and prepublication verification, whereas digital products often emphasize immediacy, transparency, partiality, and postpublication correction. Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026 Jackson, the liberal junior justice, told a gathering of the American Law Institute in Washington that her colleagues' handling of the case may have compromised the court's impartiality in political matters, especially during an election year. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • But history shows that technology alone does not deliver equitable outcomes.
    Marjorie Parker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • As climate change increasingly shapes our daily lives, LGBTQ+ communities deserve a seat at the table, not only because we are affected by these challenges, but because our perspectives can help build more equitable and resilient solutions.
    Isabella Montealegre, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Before Getting Started Not all white garments or linens are created equal.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • The honor has been bestowed upon actors, comedians, directors, producers, costume designers, writers, animators, musicians, executives, journalists, and various other individuals whose work in television has no equal.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • An objective outsider can help challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions and provide a perspective that may be difficult to maintain from inside the situation.
    Amy Powell, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But the disagreement ultimately has less to do with objective criteria—such as the effects of climate change in Europe, which is warming twice as fast as the global average—than subjective questions about what constitutes an acceptable level of physical suffering and sacrifice.
    Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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