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
Often these kinds of criticisms can be dismissed as a matter of taste, not to mention prejudice. Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026 But Pirro’s office moved on July 31 to dismiss the felony case without prejudice after the Interior Department produced additional documents. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 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
  • The critic's power stems from the brain's inherent negativity bias, a survival mechanism that overestimates threats.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Getting comfortable with an EV powertrain spinning road-bias AT tires over loose stones and sticks was also quite an experience.
    Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Playing for the Dodgers at Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field, Robinson effectively ended more than five decades of segregation in the sport.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Rosenwald family resources helped provide the facilities that made possible the accomplishments of the Tuskegee airmen, and supported NAACP legal efforts that ultimately overturned school segregation.
    Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Documentary simply turned that editorial lens back on ANTM and Banks.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Three late tries helped the Wallabies turn a 21-17 halftime lead into a 39-point victory, giving the Australians a three-match winning streak for the first time since 2024.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prejudice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prejudice. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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