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
Defense attorney Debra DeWitt didn’t challenge the request but asked that it be imposed without prejudice, meaning that he could be granted bail later. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit was dismissed Monday without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again. Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
Tyler Robinson's attorney says the video will likely prejudice the jury pool. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 7 July 2026 Ghalenoei said the disruption had prejudiced Iran in Monday’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Reuters, NBC news, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prejudice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prejudice
Noun
  • In Utah, training starts with the basics of how AI works to teach an understanding of AI bias, hallucinations, ethical concerns and data privacy needs, Winters said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The whole mess perfectly highlight how AI models can further biases deeply entrenched in their training data from the open web.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That’s because the capital’s segregation isn’t just about security or income, says Teresa García Alcaraz, an architect and researcher who has studied Caracas for more than a decade.
    Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The government made that promise after people with disabilities fought against segregation in institutions, which have a long history of abuse and neglect.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • One of my non-negotiable recommendations is Tonnara di Scopello, another historic tuna fishery turned into a tiny museum and protected cove.
    Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Her biweekly nostalgia program has turned into a daily online recap of the Keffe D trial.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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