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 King Charles’s apparent favoritism toward his eldest son, Prince William. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 July 2026 Suddenly, a conversation about roof repairs somehow becomes a debate about fairness, favoritism and something that happened at Thanksgiving 10 years ago. — David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Goldstein remained with the band through the late-’90s/early 2000s recording of the album Chinese Democracy, often weathering accusations of favoritism toward one band member or another. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 June 2026 Bacon responded by gathering supporters and issuing a public declaration accusing Berkeley’s administration of corruption, favoritism, and failure to defend the colony. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
  1. bias
  2. prejudice
  3. nepotism
  4. cronyism
Noun
  • Other research suggests body camera footage can accentuate racial bias by the viewer against people with dark complexions.
    — Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026
  • But even LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude can help identify biases.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • In the District of Columbia, federal Judge Ana Reyes said comments from Noem about Haitians showed prejudice.
    — Jay Weaver July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • An alleged child-abuse drama which cleverly plays with audiences own sense of prejudice, the work is hailed in its native Catalonia as a modern Catalan classic.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • From Bonds and Thome to Pettitte and Sabathia, a new generation of players with MLB bloodlines reignites questions over nepotism and merit.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
  • Live-action Moana star Catherine Laga’aia praised nepotism ahead of her breakout role.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Definition of nepotism
Noun
  • Last-minute maneuvers to force the hands of aldermen on what looks more like appointments of friends and allies than people with leadership potential is cronyism that is being supported by those the mayor chooses to surround himself with.
    — Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 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
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 25 Jul. 2026.

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