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
At a time when political machines dominated state and city politics, Cleveland challenged patronage and favoritism.
—
Jacob Lane The Chicago Tribune, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
Lane mentions how Cleveland fought patronage and favoritism but fails to state that his predecessor, Chester Alan Arthur, actually helped codify the Civil Service Exam for federal employees.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
The lifetime of favoritism put significant strains on sibling relationships growing up.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
And there’s a kind of auction of government favoritism going on in Washington.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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Jacob Lane The Chicago Tribune, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
Lane mentions how Cleveland fought patronage and favoritism but fails to state that his predecessor, Chester Alan Arthur, actually helped codify the Civil Service Exam for federal employees.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
The lifetime of favoritism put significant strains on sibling relationships growing up.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
And there’s a kind of auction of government favoritism going on in Washington.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 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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