favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
ˈfā-vər-
Synonyms of favoritismnext
1
: the showing of special favor : partiality
2
: the state or fact of being a favorite

Examples of favoritism in a Sentence

He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The government responded to her filing and courtroom outburst by asking that she be removed from the case citing hostility toward the government and favoritism for the plaintiffs. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 The same relationships that make effective representation possible also make political favoritism difficult to distinguish from legitimate government. — Nicholas Jacobs, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 Daycare owners often contribute to their campaigns, leading to concerns about favoritism. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Regardless of how these questions are answered, some degree of favoritism would be unavoidable because not every company would benefit. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of favoritism was in 1763

Rhymes for favoritism

See All Rhymes for favoritism

Browse Nearby Words

favorite son
favoritism
favorless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

favoritism

noun
fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others

More from Merriam-Webster on favoritism

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