prejudice 1 of 2

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
For Laura, that missing context often boils down to her own unconscious class prejudice. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 The case was dismissed with prejudice in 2024, which means Samantha cannot file the claims again. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
Molo argued that his request for an extension does not prejudice class counsel’s motion for attorney’s fees, which has not been ruled on by the court, and is stayed until all appeals are decided. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025 Evidence presented at trial showed Proctor had sent sexist and offensive text messages about Read, which her attorneys used to argue the investigation had been prejudiced against her from the start. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prejudice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prejudice
Noun
  • However, that isn’t the case, suggesting that there is a gender bias across all industries and backgrounds.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The most subjective of all the beauty categories, fragrance is incredibly tricky to judge—bound up in biases (not to mention allergies), personal memories, and cultural preferences.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cook’s broader economic research on inequality, innovation, and racism’s effect on invention brings policy relevance that might otherwise go overlooked.
    Kori Hale, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • In his remarks, Biden praised Till-Mobley for her courage in ensuring the world would see racism's horrors in her son's maimed body.
    Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 25 July 2023
Verb
  • He was arrested following a 33-hour manhunt after his parents recognized surveillance images of the suspect released by police and convinced him, with the help of a family friend, to turn himself in.
    Connor Greene, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Also, the tensions between Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Iyo could result in the latter turning heel on Vaquer during or after the match for the vacant WWE Women’s World Championship.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This effort revealed a people determined to resist segregation and abuse in public transportation.
    Time, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The map would use Troost Avenue, a historic symbol of racial segregation in Kansas City, as the dividing line between the 4th and 5th Districts.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prejudice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prejudice. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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