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
Though some members of Congress have expressed concerns about Isaacman's relationship with SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, citing the potential for bias or favoritism, Isaacman's nomination has been favorably received by much of the space community.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Netanyahu’s open favoritism toward Republicans has not only enabled him to undermine policies supported by a majority of Americans but also contributed to declining support for Israel among Democrats.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
Signs of a dog's favoritism include following them around, wagging their tail, maintaining consistent eye contact, showing affection, and rubbing their face against them.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Is the pay bump a result of favoritism?
—Emily Nix, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Netanyahu’s open favoritism toward Republicans has not only enabled him to undermine policies supported by a majority of Americans but also contributed to declining support for Israel among Democrats.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
Signs of a dog's favoritism include following them around, wagging their tail, maintaining consistent eye contact, showing affection, and rubbing their face against them.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Is the pay bump a result of favoritism?
—Emily Nix, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
Noun
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The film artfully blends wacky gags and references with resonant themes that affect our world, including discrimination and unconscious bias, satisfying viewers of all ages.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Jan. 2026
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Career expert Rachel Wells shares three key things the best managers do differently, including checking their biases when giving feedback.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Reversed and dismissed with prejudice.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
21 Jan. 2026
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Robertson, who did not respond to a request for comment, asked that the judge dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning that charges cannot be refiled.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Attorney Tony McDonald, representing Davis as chair of the local Republican Party, told the judge that without that nepotism acknowledgement, her application was invalid and Davis, who is also an attorney by trade, was required to reject it.—
Eleanor Dearman
Updated January 15,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Jan. 2026
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The nepotism extended to the next generation with Tim McDonnell, John and Chris’ nephew, joining the front office in 2013 as a pro scout.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Since state jobs are won through cronyism and bribery, livelihoods were also at stake.—
Nabil Salih,
Time,
4 Dec. 2025
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But over time, they themselves have been overtaken by misconduct, cronyism, and excess, especially after the leading proxy advisory firms continually traded hands between a rotating cast of conflicted foreign buyers and private equity firms.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
16 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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