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.
Amazon, which has grown into one of the world's largest advertising platforms, sells its ads through special auctions, which are fairly common in the industry. — Alina Selyukh, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 If not properly scrutinized or fairly distributed, the rush of new investment that seems so promising now may destabilize the country’s fragile recovery. — Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 Things are fairly tame by comparison in the bedrooms, with beamed ceilings and enough space for a queen-size bed. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026 Planning is key, and one of the first things to do is buy permanent or whole life insurance while still fairly young, said Steve Azoury, owner of Azoury Financial. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 31 Aug. 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

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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 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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