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favoritism

noun

Definition of favoritismnext
as in bias
the unfair practice of treating some people better than others The favoritism of the boss led to many disgruntled employees. He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.

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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 favoritism Adding to the tension is the perception of political favoritism. — Bloomberg News, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 They are often influenced by bias, workplace politics and favoritism. — Lauren Russell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The quick exit has led to a reckoning within South Korea's football world — fueled by intense anger over accusations of favoritism and cronyism involved in the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 July 2026 Lowering taxes on businesses across the board not only avoids the problems of cronyism and favoritism, but gives everyone a better chance to grow and succeed. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
  1. bias
  2. prejudice
  3. nepotism
  4. cronyism
Noun
  • Evaluate its trust and transparency, ethical principles and guidelines, responsibility and accountability, bias and fairness, safety and security, adaptability and continuous learning and, at the least, legal and regulatory compliance.
    — Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Which inevitably leads to inconsistency and accusations of bias.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • In May 2022, the parties signed an agreement dismissing the arbitration without prejudice.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Conley, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, dismissed the case without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and granted the defendants’ sanctions motions.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • The goal of such a system, often used in combination with elections, was to prevent excessive influence and nepotism, and shore up trust in the system of government and those who wielded power through it.
    — Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Yet, Stella Lefty’s rise has been hotly debated — conversations about nepotism, originality, and TikTok’s influence on the music industry have taken over.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of nepotism
Noun
  • Personal bias … petty jealousies … vendettas … cronyism … axes to grind.
    — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The pro-Russia conservative leader ruled for 20 years in total, leaving a web of corrupt cronyism in highly compromised state institutions.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of cronyism

Browse Nearby Words

favorite sons
favoritism
favors
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Cite this Entry

“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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