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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Some on social media accused police of escorting and even showing favoritism to the marchers.
—
Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
However, the energy policy established by the previous administration, with its multi-billion dollar tax breaks and subsidies, as well as government favoritism, has complicated the signals for clean energy investment.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Major concerns about no-bid contracting flagged by SANDAG’s independent auditor include potential favoritism for a trio of companies, as well as changes to improper contracts that in one case boosted project costs by 3,300%.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
And for the players, accusations of coercion or favoritism for those who are religious are just bunk.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
However, the energy policy established by the previous administration, with its multi-billion dollar tax breaks and subsidies, as well as government favoritism, has complicated the signals for clean energy investment.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Major concerns about no-bid contracting flagged by SANDAG’s independent auditor include potential favoritism for a trio of companies, as well as changes to improper contracts that in one case boosted project costs by 3,300%.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
And for the players, accusations of coercion or favoritism for those who are religious are just bunk.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
Noun
-
Furthermore and worthy of many articles, is the risk that past biases are embedded into future AI, replicating and amplifying discriminatory patterns that deplete human rights and human freedom.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Auditability: Like humans, AI should be accountable for bias and error.—
David Ferrucci,
Fortune,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
The series maintains a light touch and a brisk pace while managing to touch on class disparity and cultural prejudice without ever feeling preachy or forced.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
26 June 2025
-
But as with most anything, inherent prejudice reared its ugly head.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The son is called out as the poster child for nepotism.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2025
-
His organization exists to dismantle the nepotism and gatekeeping pervasive in the art world.—
Byron Armstrong,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Instead, DeSantis has earned a doctorate in cronyism.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2025
-
Now, some 114 years later, Californians have reached their limit with the cozy cronyism between the commission and the private utilities it is required to keep in check.—
Loretta Lynch,
Mercury News,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share