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
Bluestone granted Sam Altman’s motion to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it can’t be refiled in that court, while denying Sam’s request for attorney fees and costs. — Richard Lawler, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026 In his essay, Baron Cohen says that’s the point, because the character is a satirical figure designed to expose prejudice. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
The defense argued that allowing video and still photo coverage might prejudice a jury. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for prejudice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prejudice
Noun
  • Because this was a scoping review, which summarizes existing research rather than testing a treatment directly, the researchers could not make clinical recommendations or fully assess the risk of bias.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Although much of his lineup leaned heavy-handed or overly undone, the most notable bias looks were the ones designed for ease, modernity and lightness.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Jim Crow segregation, discrimination and systemic racism further depressed the Black population's ability to build wealth that is still largely concentrated among white families.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • American educational history is overflowing with abuse, segregation, substandard structures, and smoldering scorn.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • David Standridge’s philosophy is all about harvesting what’s plentiful and turning it into something delicious.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Future success will require Space42 to turn its technological capabilities, capital commitments and international partnerships into commercially viable services that can compete across markets at scale and at a sustainable cost.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prejudice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prejudice. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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