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
When politics, favoritism or silence around problems replace merit and transparency, trust erodes quickly.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
And the startup’s founder told reporters that his company, Vulcan Elements, received no political favoritism.
—Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 28 May 2026
New lawsuit follows string of complaints Steward’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal complaints filed by current and former employees of the Independence Police Department alleging retaliation, favoritism and dysfunction within department leadership.
—Ben Wheeler
may 20, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
And the startup’s founder told reporters that his company, Vulcan Elements, received no political favoritism.
—Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 28 May 2026
New lawsuit follows string of complaints Steward’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal complaints filed by current and former employees of the Independence Police Department alleging retaliation, favoritism and dysfunction within department leadership.
—Ben Wheeler
may 20, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
Noun
-
His job to is to probe allegations of bias and error, among other things.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
9 June 2026
-
To anyone contemplating leaving the city because of political biases, good night and good luck.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
This prejudice persists despite the high prevalence of herpes.—
Lauren Schneider,
Scientific American,
9 June 2026
-
It was dismissed with prejudice, so it may not be brought back.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
James hears the nepotism claims.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
9 June 2026
-
Unsurprisingly, whispers and accusations of nepotism surround Max’s appointment, with Leon Rice having led the program as head coach since 2010, and the father-son connection is undeniably part of why Max returned to Boise State.—
Shaun Goodwin
June 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Huntington Beach has scrapped a brand management and marketing contract plan that had been clouded by community concerns over transparency and cronyism.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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