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
Cunningham was also fined an undisclosed amount in late August for claiming the refs showed favoritism to WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
—
Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Not wanting to show favoritism, Rebordinos is relucant to discuss this year’s competition lineup.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
Over a century ago, the federal government pivoted from a spoils system, where political favoritism ruled the day, into a system that rewards merit, knowledge and experience.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
These licensing waivers are lawful in themselves, but Drake’s lawsuit claims they were weaponized for competitive advantage, raising questions about transparency, favoritism and whether artists outside the major label system can ever truly compete on equal footing.
—Jared Brenner, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Not wanting to show favoritism, Rebordinos is relucant to discuss this year’s competition lineup.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
Over a century ago, the federal government pivoted from a spoils system, where political favoritism ruled the day, into a system that rewards merit, knowledge and experience.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025
These licensing waivers are lawful in themselves, but Drake’s lawsuit claims they were weaponized for competitive advantage, raising questions about transparency, favoritism and whether artists outside the major label system can ever truly compete on equal footing.
—Jared Brenner, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others
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