prejudice 1 of 2

Definition of prejudicenext

prejudice

2 of 2

verb

as in to bias
to cause to have often negative opinions formed without sufficient knowledge all the bad stories I had heard about the incoming CEO prejudiced me against him even before the first meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prejudice contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prejudice are bias, predilection, and prepossession. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

When would bias be a good substitute for prejudice?

The synonyms bias and prejudice are sometimes interchangeable, but bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

When is predilection a more appropriate choice than prejudice?

The words predilection and prejudice are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

In what contexts can prepossession take the place of prejudice?

The meanings of prepossession and prejudice largely overlap; however, prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

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 prejudice
Noun
Like humans themselves, some of this data is flawed, reflecting the prejudices, blind spots and systemic inequities of the humans and institutions that produced it. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 This board book, developed by activism and childhood development experts, serves as a resource for adults to discuss race, discrimination and prejudice with children. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Verb
The average person might be prejudiced, and what could be more unreasonable than prejudice? Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 In court, Kayumi’s lawyer, Michael Arthus, pointed to the extensive publicity surrounding the case and asked that prosecutors avoid saying anything that could prejudice potential jurors. Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prejudice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prejudice
Noun
  • His job to is to probe allegations of bias and error, among other things.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 June 2026
  • To anyone contemplating leaving the city because of political biases, good night and good luck.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • While racism’s roots run deep in America and many factors contribute to it, Florida’s Republican leaders have spent the last eight years helping stoke the fires.
    Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Vampires emerge not as mere monsters but as spectral embodiments of racism’s unending drain on Black life in the South, a haunting metaphor for generational trauma.
    Essence, Essence, 3 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Pinky asks Shamea and Drew to come to the casting call, which turns into delicious B-list-actor-industry drama.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • America is turning 250, but some of its greatest treasures don't sit behind museum glass.
    Staff, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Just as slavery was a blight on young Amnerica, the Jim Crow and/or segregation also left its ugly print on our country.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • In court filings, incarcerated people and outside experts described administrative segregation units as psychologically damaging environments that can worsen symptoms and increase suicide risk.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prejudice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prejudice. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prejudice

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