nepotism

Definition of nepotismnext

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 State officials began investigating the village in 2024 after receiving a whistleblower complaint alleging nepotism and conflicts of interest. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026 The budget line gives council members wide discretion to cover official duties, but in the past has also raised questions about political patronage and nepotism on the public dime. Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Political players’ seeking to manipulate the game with cronyism or nepotism is no way to regain the public trust. Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026 But nepotism rules everything around me, so why not The Immortal Man? Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nepotism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nepotism
Noun
  • That is prejudice dressed in the language of security.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The goal was to combat racial prejudice by putting white and Black people in a room together for a marathon weekend of unfiltered sharing and confrontation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That proposal made national headlines and led to months of reckoning with racial bias after a Center School parent was caught on a hot mic during a remote school board meeting.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Providers also can fall victim to inadvertent bias, assuming a young, otherwise healthy patient must be dealing with something other than shingles.
    Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • In the wrong hands, connections like that can lead to cronyism and profiteering — and there were times when Gray’s relationships came under fire.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Stewart’s critics have been slamming her, saying there was a pattern of favoritism at city hall during her 12-year tenure.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • The measure now heads to a final vote in the State Senate, but critics, including lawmakers, credit unions, and other groups, say the bill creates favoritism and could be costly to small businesses.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Nepotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nepotism. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on nepotism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster