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 Then again, soccer fans love to buzz about potential favoritism. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 14 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 Even when BookTok does rally around a quote-unquote serious writer—such as Sally Rooney or Ottessa Moshfegh—there is a veneer of genre favoritism and eerie self-identification. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026 King Charles’s apparent favoritism toward his eldest son, Prince William. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
  1. bias
  2. prejudice
  3. nepotism
  4. cronyism
Noun
  • In Utah, training starts with the basics of how AI works to teach an understanding of AI bias, hallucinations, ethical concerns and data privacy needs, Winters said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The whole mess perfectly highlight how AI models can further biases deeply entrenched in their training data from the open web.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • In that sense Cunningham’s view is largely seen as only further marginalizing a trans community already suffering from lack of understanding, prejudice and bullying.
    — Greg Cote August 14, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Tempered by generations of poverty, war, and rank prejudice, so many Afghan women refuse to be bowed or broken.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • As the nepotism debate rages on, a number of current stars have opted out of having kids altogether — and made no secret about it.
    — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Courtesy of Stanley Simmons band Don’t mention nepotism to Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of the two prominent KISS band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of nepotism
Noun
  • In this series finale, Whitehead presents his New York City as an urbanscape rife with brutality, cronyism and corruption, increasingly fed by unbridled capitalism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 July 2026
  • 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
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 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on favoritism

Nglish: Translation of favoritism for Spanish Speakers

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