favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm 
ˈfā-vər-
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
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
The House Democratic campaign arm’s endorsements in two competitive primaries are aggravating some in the party who see favoritism at work.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
The promotional process will be standardized, consistent and based on blind applicant screening to eliminate favoritism.
—Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 4 May 2026
The measure now heads to a final vote in the State Senate, but critics, including lawmakers, credit unions, and other groups, say the bill creates favoritism and could be costly to small businesses.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
The House Democratic campaign arm’s endorsements in two competitive primaries are aggravating some in the party who see favoritism at work.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
The promotional process will be standardized, consistent and based on blind applicant screening to eliminate favoritism.
—Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 4 May 2026
The measure now heads to a final vote in the State Senate, but critics, including lawmakers, credit unions, and other groups, say the bill creates favoritism and could be costly to small businesses.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others
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