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 agency has said deceptive or unfair data practices can violate existing consumer protection laws. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 But rhetoric turned sour by the weekend, with each side blaming the other for failing to reach an agreement and for unfair trade practices. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Several Florida strawberry producers filed a petition in late 2025 saying Mexico's government and strawberry industry engaged in unfair trading practices. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 And local immigration lawyers say that even if an immigrant can get a bond hearing, that hearing might be unfair. — Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfair

Adjective

The ball rolled all the way into the Rays’ bullpen in foul territory while Taylor sprinted to third.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
The rotting food has drawn swarms of flies and rats with a foul rancid smell that Boyle Heights residents have said kept them indoors, and business owners have said kept customers away.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

Minneola City Councilman David Yeager’s efforts to annex his new home into the city earlier this summer sparked a nasty debate on the council that led to two members being censured last week for incivility.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Working with a nasty four-pitch mix, Bradley struck out six over four innings before achieving the feat in the fifth.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of nasty

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unfailingly

unfair

unfairly

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“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfair. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfair

adjective

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