favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm 
ˈfā-vər-
1
: the showing of special favor : partiality
2
: the state or fact of being a favorite
Examples of favoritism in a Sentence
He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
Maps would prioritize population equality, compactness, contiguity, and communities of interest, with no favoritism toward incumbents.
—
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The Bediako case is a nice counterexample to the favoritism argument; the first judge stepped aside when his relationship with the university, or at least the coverage and commentary surrounding it, was too close-knit to be ignored, and the second judge ruled against his alma mater.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Certain players won’t receive favoritism over others because the head coach is afraid to confront them or wants to be their friend.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
Following the money Hinojosa and Bell have tied Abbott’s private-school voucher push to a broader argument about favoritism, arguing the program steers public dollars to mostly Christian schools while benefiting wealthy contributors.
—Karen Brooks Harper, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The Bediako case is a nice counterexample to the favoritism argument; the first judge stepped aside when his relationship with the university, or at least the coverage and commentary surrounding it, was too close-knit to be ignored, and the second judge ruled against his alma mater.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Certain players won’t receive favoritism over others because the head coach is afraid to confront them or wants to be their friend.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
Following the money Hinojosa and Bell have tied Abbott’s private-school voucher push to a broader argument about favoritism, arguing the program steers public dollars to mostly Christian schools while benefiting wealthy contributors.
—Karen Brooks Harper, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others
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