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
Management of the city of Chicago’s sprawling government always has been a challenge, and the opportunities for patronage, favoritism and simple wasteful spending are vast.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
This is a clear case of favoritism.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
Over time, ownership would move through voluntary exchange rather than political favoritism.
—Antony Davies, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
However, the other two members wound up suing Beyoncé and Kelly, claiming that being managed by Beyoncé's dad Mathew led to favoritism within the group.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
This is a clear case of favoritism.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
Over time, ownership would move through voluntary exchange rather than political favoritism.
—Antony Davies, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
However, the other two members wound up suing Beyoncé and Kelly, claiming that being managed by Beyoncé's dad Mathew led to favoritism within the group.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
Noun
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Staff unionized, in an effort to address what many felt were systemic biases against employees who were Black and women.—
Odette Yousef,
NPR,
12 May 2026
-
There is an official timekeeper who purposefully faces away from the drum to avoid any perception of bias.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Fully invested in its protagonist without blandly cheerleading for her, Bourgeois-Tacquet’s script is sharply attuned both to the everyday prejudice faced by women like Gabrielle, and the ways in which such sexism can be overcorrected.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 May 2026
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The Court held that this evidence went far beyond what was necessary and gave rise to unfair prejudice.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
Noun
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During a July 2007 interview with Pop Matters, Joe addressed the nepotism involved in his band getting the gig to open up for The Police.—
Francesca Gariano,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
-
Two years into Bronny James’ NBA career, in the postseason spotlight, cries of nepotism will have to wait for the bench minutes the Lakers actually need from the 21-year-old guard.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
He‘d look to make changes to the top command to reduce cronyism and restore trust.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
In the wrong hands, connections like that can lead to cronyism and profiteering — and there were times when Gray’s relationships came under fire.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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