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.

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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 Yet, Stella Lefty’s rise has been hotly debated — conversations about nepotism, originality, and TikTok’s influence on the music industry have taken over. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 Afterward, the internet went wild with accusations of cheating, nepotism, and more. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 As the nepotism debate rages on, a number of current stars have opted out of having kids altogether — and made no secret about it. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 Courtesy of Stanley Simmons band Don’t mention nepotism to Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of the two prominent KISS band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nepotism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nepotism

Noun

The Justice Department wanted to preserve the possibility of bringing the case again, but In his ruling Thursday, Judge Todd Edelman dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning Hearn cannot be charged again over the same allegations.

— Jon Haworth, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
The memo demanded that the charges be dismissed without prejudice—meaning that they could later be reinstated.

— Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

At Bank of America, Gopalkrishnan said the company evaluates AI implementations across 16 risk dimensions, including privacy, bias, workforce implications and intellectual property.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Without the financial incentive markets provide, social pressure and community biases play more of a role in influencing opinion.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of bias

Noun

Rogers' campaign released a statement accusing the station of favoritism and suggesting the moderator had already taken sides.

— Terrance Friday, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
In 2024, a Veolia North America subsidiary sued the City-Parish of Baton Rouge after losing a bid for its wastewater operations and management contract, alleging the procurement process was unfair, noncompliant and guided by favoritism.

— Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of favoritism

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ne plus ultras

nepotism

Neptune

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“Nepotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nepotism. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nepotism

noun

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