Definition of discriminatorynext
as in unfair
favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people a company that was fined for its discriminatory practices in the hiring of women

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 discriminatory The policy prohibits using ALPR data for personal use, gathering information solely regarding free speech, political or religious activity, and using the data for discriminatory purposes. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 Many commenters highlight his targeting of Lisa Cook, a Black woman, as an example of his discriminatory actions. — Katherine Doyle, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 But other public records, along with interviews with current and former Department of Human Services employees, detailed a workplace that staffers said ranged from uncomfortable to hostile and discriminatory. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026 To the broadcast crews, the fans were guilty until proven innocent, helping perpetuate the unfounded label that Fever fans were hateful, unruly and even discriminatory. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discriminatory
Adjective
  • This meant their path to electoral victory faced an uphill, unfair fight.
    — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Communities were sliced apart and stitched to places with little in common, all to protect politicians and give one party an unfair advantage.
    — Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The anchor’s legal complaint can be traced back to Weber’s 2018 lawsuit, in which Weber sued the anchor and her former partner James Bruce Taylor (the father of Burch’s son) for common count, fraud, conspiracy and unjust enrichment.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • And educators must stand in opposition to the recent round of confusing and unjust immigration policies.
    — Hannah Harshe, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Noting the use of generative and discriminative AI pairs, Rus also compares a generative process - writing a book - to the traditional human way that this is done.
    — John Werner, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024
  • In 2019, the Chinese government issued a directive banning a wide range of discriminative measures against women in the hiring process, including asking women about their marital and childbearing status.
    — Jessie Yeung and Nectar Gan, CNN, 5 June 2021

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discriminatory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster