favoritism

noun

Definition of favoritismnext
as in bias
the unfair practice of treating some people better than others The favoritism of the boss led to many disgruntled employees. He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.

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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 favoritism The quick exit has led to a reckoning within South Korea's football world — fueled by intense anger over accusations of favoritism and cronyism involved in the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 July 2026 Then again, soccer fans love to buzz about potential favoritism. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026 Lowering taxes on businesses across the board not only avoids the problems of cronyism and favoritism, but gives everyone a better chance to grow and succeed. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 14 July 2026 Even when BookTok does rally around a quote-unquote serious writer—such as Sally Rooney or Ottessa Moshfegh—there is a veneer of genre favoritism and eerie self-identification. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favoritism
  1. bias
  2. prejudice
  3. nepotism
  4. cronyism
Noun
  • Admitting his bias, Simmons, who watched another Trojan, Makai Lemon, get selected in the first round, believed Lane was talented enough to go as early as the late first round.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • For healthcare providers, this is a lesson on potential sources of bias, Tang said.
    — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • Barely out of her teens, the Black and Anishinaabe sculptor had already weathered racial prejudice, false accusations and the abrupt end of her education at Oberlin College.
    — Andrew Alexander, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Factors affecting the intensity of racial profiling The forcefulness of police prejudice against minority groups depends on historical and social circumstances.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • As the nepotism debate rages on, a number of current stars have opted out of having kids altogether — and made no secret about it.
    — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Courtesy of Stanley Simmons band Don’t mention nepotism to Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of the two prominent KISS band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of nepotism
Noun
  • The pro-Russia conservative leader ruled for 20 years in total, leaving a web of corrupt cronyism in highly compromised state institutions.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In this series finale, Whitehead presents his New York City as an urbanscape rife with brutality, cronyism and corruption, increasingly fed by unbridled capitalism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 July 2026
Definition of cronyism

Browse Nearby Words

favorite sons
favoritism
favors
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Cite this Entry

“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favoritism. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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