Synonyms of favoritism

favoritism

noun

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

• bias
• prejudice
• nepotism
• cronyism
• chauvinism
• partiality
• tendency
• partisanship
• tendentiousness
• favor
• one-sidedness
• ply
• nonobjectivity
• predisposition
• predilection
• parti pris
• proclivity
• penchant
• propensity
• inclination
• self-opinionatedness
• prejudgment
• bent
• leaning
• self-partiality
• preconception
• prepossession

Dissimilar Words

• fairness
• neutrality
• objectivity
• impartiality
• indifference
• unbiasedness
• detachment
• open-mindedness
• calm
• dispassion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of favoritism

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

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