UNFAIR Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

unfair

adjective

ˌən-ˈfer

Definition of unfair

as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport a team that is notorious throughout the league for its record of unfair play

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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 unfair The Cambridge Analytica scandal has come back to haunt Meta after a New Mexico judge ordered it to pay $25 billion in penalties for more than 43 million violations of the state’s unfair practices law. — Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 Many Israelis who serve in the military, particularly in the reserves, have complained of having to take on an unfair amount of the security burden for the state. — Dov Lieber, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Or to weather an economic emergency, or to stop modern slavery, or to combat unfair trade, or to stick it to a country that forgot to send the president a birthday gift. — Matthew Lynn, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026 The joint statement outlined three priorities for strengthening Europe’s ability to respond to unfair international competition. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfair

Adjective

Fortes sprinted across the plate with the winning run, then headed toward first to join his jumping teammates in foul territory.

— Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Jackson Chourio and Bauers started the bottom half with singles and first baseman Jonathan Aranda allowed Contreras’ one-out foul pop to bounce out of his mitt near netting in front of the seats.

— Ronald Blum, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

With American Family Field rocking, Ashby reared back and threw a nasty curve that Díaz tried to hold up on.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Of course, there has been some criticism of this plan, as France is experiencing some pretty nasty civil unrest at the moment, but the game will go ahead, with the Saints having been in the country for a few days already.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of nasty

Browse Nearby Words

unfailingly

unfair

unfairly

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“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfair. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfair

adjective

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