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
The is mostly a political one that the far-right uses to stoke prejudice and hatred against a community already victimized by that and bullying. Greg Cote august 9, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Hearn is seeking to dismiss the case with prejudice to ensure charges cannot be revived against him. Elise Spenner, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
While trying to clarify the results of the report to reporters, Ballard also referenced the strength of the state’s case against Tyler Robinson – statements the judge on Friday found risked prejudicing the jury pool. Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 26 June 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
  • Many of the march’s leaders and participants were later imprisoned in the Women’s Jail, where activists were held separately according to their race, as apartheid enforced segregation everywhere in South Africa.
    Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The history of redlining, segregation and the lack of generational wealth shows how decisions made by the founding fathers created the landscape that exists for Black people in present day.
    Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Illustrations of peacocks, butterflies, and florals turn each acrylic tile into a miniature work of art, while the colorful palette feels perfectly suited for a poolside picnic table.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Moreover, in a study of 29 users of Melanotan II published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, some users reported their skin turning a dull gray color.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prejudice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prejudice. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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