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
Controversially, Documenta’s explication of antisemitism relies on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition, which considers criticism of Israel a form of prejudice. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Warren’s attempt to suppress the procession exemplifies the sort of religious prejudices plaguing Italian communities during that period. — Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
Texas law allows courts to reject an arbitration award when, for example, the process substantially prejudiced a party’s rights, involved fraud or arbitrator misconduct, or exceeded the arbitrator’s authority. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The court then sent the case back to district court to determine whether Sims’ public defender’s performance while initially representing him on the matter prejudiced his case. — Sofi Zeman august 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prejudice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prejudice
Noun
  • While our new girl bias isn’t as strong as Victoria’s, having those two decades of backstory on her does give a leg up in terms of whose plight is easier to invest in.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The hiring manager’s standards stop living only in people’s heads and start living in the system, applied without misinterpretation or human bias.
    — Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Previously, Electrek reported that Black Tesla workers at the facility were subjected to racial prejudice by way of wage discrimination, segregation, and racial slurs.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In response to racial segregation in the 1950s and ’60s, Atlanta Public Schools introduced the Majority-to-Minority, or M-to-M, transfer program.
    — Amari Brown, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some expedition lines turn their nose at these types of shows, but Ponant’s theater fills for events like a Beatles tribute; near-daily lessons from the dancers also draw an audience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Fortunately, Arkansas is beginning to turn some of that talk into action.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prejudice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prejudice. Accessed 29 Sep. 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