NEPOTISM Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

nepotism

noun

Definition of nepotism

as in prejudice

disapproving the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives Nepotism by the owner has hurt the company because the new executives are not qualified for their jobs.

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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 nepotism Unsurprisingly, whispers and accusations of nepotism surround Max’s appointment, with Leon Rice having led the program as head coach since 2010, and the father-son connection is undeniably part of why Max returned to Boise State. — Shaun Goodwin june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026 Their actions destroy harmony and leave real contribution in the ashes—mirroring toxic corporate cultures of nepotism, politics, and glamour over substance. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 13 May 2026 During a July 2007 interview with Pop Matters, Joe addressed the nepotism involved in his band getting the gig to open up for The Police. — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Two years into Bronny James’ NBA career, in the postseason spotlight, cries of nepotism will have to wait for the bench minutes the Lakers actually need from the 21-year-old guard. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nepotism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nepotism

Noun

Federal judge Aileen Cannon dismissed a lawsuit with prejudice on Monday, July 6, after poet Kimberly Marasco sued Swift, Aaron Dessner, Republic Records and Universal Music Group in February 2025, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Her initial lawsuit, filed in May 2024, was dismissed with prejudice in September 2025.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

The key to passing legislation is treating all energy equally and making clear that final permits cannot be undone based on political bias on the left or the right.

— Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 9 July 2026
Why LLMs struggle with spreadsheets Part of why structured data has garnered less attention is a very human bias, argues Boris van Breugel, a senior AI researcher based in Amsterdam.

— Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 9 July 2026

Definition of bias

Noun

This is the wrong time for a baseball stadium — or anything that looks frivolous or smacks of cronyism.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026
While no rules were broken, the revelations conflicted with Starmer’s portrayal of himself as an antidote to the cronyism displayed by successive Conservative leaders.

— Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Definition of cronyism

Noun

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
King Charles’s apparent favoritism toward his eldest son, Prince William.

— Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Definition of favoritism

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ne plus ultras

nepotism

Neptune

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“Nepotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nepotism. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of nepotism

noun

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