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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Recent Examples of favoritism
According to a new article by The New York Times, parenting favoritism is common across all types of families.
—
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The letter details other claims of favoritism and disregard for recent board directives to curb spending, like attempting to hire for vacant positions and authorizing overtime expenditures despite the hiring and overtime freeze enacted in the board approved fiscal solvency plan.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Though some members of Congress have expressed concerns about Isaacman's relationship with SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, citing the potential for bias or favoritism, Isaacman's nomination has been favorably received by much of the space community.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Netanyahu’s open favoritism toward Republicans has not only enabled him to undermine policies supported by a majority of Americans but also contributed to declining support for Israel among Democrats.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The letter details other claims of favoritism and disregard for recent board directives to curb spending, like attempting to hire for vacant positions and authorizing overtime expenditures despite the hiring and overtime freeze enacted in the board approved fiscal solvency plan.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Though some members of Congress have expressed concerns about Isaacman's relationship with SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, citing the potential for bias or favoritism, Isaacman's nomination has been favorably received by much of the space community.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Netanyahu’s open favoritism toward Republicans has not only enabled him to undermine policies supported by a majority of Americans but also contributed to declining support for Israel among Democrats.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
Noun
-
Someone with a deep connection to Texas A&M University may be able to put aside their bias and give the University of Texas a fair trial, the judge noted a couple of times in the echoey downtown Fort Worth courtroom jammed with nine defendants.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 17,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In his second hour of comedy, the Comedy Cellar regular discusses divorce, middle-age and cats — sharing his thoughts on the world’s bias against men with cats.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The complaint was dismissed with prejudice.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The case was settled out of court last year after FKA Twigs dropped the lawsuit with prejudice.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There have also been accusations of nepotism.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Later that year, the National Labor Relations board received an anonymous complaint from current and former MLBPA staff and members, which alleged multiple forms of corruption by Clark and the union, including nepotism, misuse of resources, and abuse of power.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
My first act will be to audit the agency, cut waste, end cronyism, & make sure every dollar serves Texas farmers, ranchers, and consumers—not political insiders.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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But in America, backroom deals, cronyism, and countless middle players proliferate in the dark and drive costs into the stratosphere.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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