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.
Enforce laws without favoritism. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Still, the entire regulatory review was clouded by charges of political favoritism and cronyism. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 The questions around political access, favoritism, and governance should be monitored by both the public and a transparent legal system, which Syria does not yet have. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 June 2026 Suddenly, a conversation about roof repairs somehow becomes a debate about fairness, favoritism and something that happened at Thanksgiving 10 years ago. — David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 7 Jul. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for favoritism

Nglish: Translation of favoritism for Spanish Speakers

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