NEPOTISM Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

nepotism

noun

Definition of nepotism

as in prejudice

disapproving the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives Nepotism by the owner has hurt the company because the new executives are not qualified for their jobs.

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 nepotism In an unstable industry with IP, nepotism and maybe even now artificial intelligence ruling supreme, Ridd and Boa have doubled down on emerging filmmakers with original stories. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 Where does one look for models if élites and powerful decision-makers seem to have ascended through nepotism or greed rather than through merit? — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for nepotism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nepotism

Noun

The lawsuit was dismissed Monday without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again.

— Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
But Pirro’s office moved on July 31 to dismiss the felony case without prejudice after the Interior Department produced additional documents.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

At the same time, Georgia lawmakers have introduced legislation targeting banks that use social credit metrics or restrict access based on constitutional expression, aiming to hold financial institutions accountable for ideological bias.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
But the core problem survives because recency bias doesn’t need a 12-month gap to do its damage.

— James Glover, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of bias

Noun

In this series finale, Whitehead presents his New York City as an urbanscape rife with brutality, cronyism and corruption, increasingly fed by unbridled capitalism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 July 2026
Last-minute maneuvers to force the hands of aldermen on what looks more like appointments of friends and allies than people with leadership potential is cronyism that is being supported by those the mayor chooses to surround himself with.

— Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of cronyism

Browse Nearby Words

ne plus ultras

nepotism

Neptune

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nepotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nepotism. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nepotism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on nepotism

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

salvo

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes