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
Still, the entire regulatory review was clouded by charges of political favoritism and cronyism.
—
Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
But the saying can also apply in the traditional sense, explaining that favoritism, and biases, are a part of life, society, business and sport, and everyone must find a way to play the hand they are dealt.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
This favoritism is driven by legacy preferences, athletic recruitment and nonacademic ratings that reward expensive resume-building, yet elite universities remain reluctant to change these practices.
—Prasad Krishnamurthy, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
The Voting Rights Act was not racial favoritism.
—Natashia Deon, Oc Register, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
But the saying can also apply in the traditional sense, explaining that favoritism, and biases, are a part of life, society, business and sport, and everyone must find a way to play the hand they are dealt.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
This favoritism is driven by legacy preferences, athletic recruitment and nonacademic ratings that reward expensive resume-building, yet elite universities remain reluctant to change these practices.
—Prasad Krishnamurthy, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
The Voting Rights Act was not racial favoritism.
—Natashia Deon, Oc Register, 31 May 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 13 Jun. 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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