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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
This includes seeking to eliminate the U.S. Agency for International Development, ending some humanitarian assistance, antagonism toward allies and perceived favoritism toward adversaries, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin.
—
The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Wisconsin judges take an oath to be faithful to the state constitution, to administer justice without favoritism and to act impartially.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Apr. 2025
Here’s a basic fact to understand about the Kentucky Derby: Nobody gets in by accident, or just because of deep pockets or favoritism.
—Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2025
And a lot of it was focused on — or at least the public attention was often drawn to — corruption and favoritism within these assessors' offices.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Wisconsin judges take an oath to be faithful to the state constitution, to administer justice without favoritism and to act impartially.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Apr. 2025
Here’s a basic fact to understand about the Kentucky Derby: Nobody gets in by accident, or just because of deep pockets or favoritism.
—Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2025
And a lot of it was focused on — or at least the public attention was often drawn to — corruption and favoritism within these assessors' offices.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
Noun
-
The Board now too often acts on bias, politics, or public pressure, denying parole to people who have demonstrably changed and aren’t at risk of re-offending.—
Julia Salazar,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2025
-
Since the start of his second term, President Trump and his allies have repeatedly criticized judges who rule against his administration, often accusing them of political bias and judicial overreach.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Critics too often do a disservice to the art of younger generations, overstating the similarities between works that have little in common besides the age of their makers or failing to account for the aesthetic prejudices of their own cohort.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
22 May 2025
-
Combs' attorneys had the suit moved from state court to federal court, and in January 2025, U.S. District Judge Judith E. Levy dismissed it with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Following his breakout turn on season 3 of the Mike White hit series, Patrick Schwarzenegger faced claims of nepotism due to his famous parents — Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger — but Wood is not having any of it.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
5 May 2025
-
Redick, well aware of the nepotism accusations that surrounded the situation, was given the unenviable task of integrating Bronny amid intense scrutiny.—
Jovan Buha,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
But the administrative state is the quiet hand of cronyism working for decades in the most inefficient, sinister ways.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
13 Feb. 2025
-
According to Goldman Sachs, protectionism primarily leads to higher prices, cronyism, and inefficiency — not competitive manufacturing.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share