bigotry

noun

big·​ot·​ry ˈbi-gə-trē 

plural bigotries

1

: obstinate or narrow-minded adherence to one's own opinions and prejudices : the state of mind of a bigot

overcoming his own bigotry

Religious bigotry, then, did not decide this election, and Kennedy became the first Roman Catholic president.

—Mary Beth Norton et al.

2

: acts or beliefs characteristic of a bigot

racial bigotry

will not tolerate bigotry in our organization

Synonyms of bigotry

• intolerance
• prejudice
• sectarianism
• dogmatism
• illiberality
• bias
• narrow-mindedness
• illiberalism
• partisanship
• small-mindedness

Examples of bigotry in a Sentence

a deeply ingrained bigotry prevented her from even considering the counterarguments

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to his reputation for scientific innovation and leadership, however, Watson was notorious for his bigotry. —Kathryn Paige Harden, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025

My generation deserves better leaders than the ones teaching us that bigotry is bravery and hate is just a joke. —Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025

It was intentionally designed to provoke, to offend, and to remind us that bigotry is still alive and well in certain corners of local leadership. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025

Kara opposes this hate group, fighting the calculated acts of disinformation, intolerance, and bigotry. —Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see bigot

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bigotry

noun

big·​ot·​ry ˈbig-ə-trē 

plural bigotries

1

: the state of mind of a bigot

2

: behavior or beliefs characteristic of a bigot