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
For decades, the WHCA has handled logistics and scheduling, ensuring that the makeup of the pool is free of government favoritism or retaliation.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Past presidents have used the system precisely to avoid even the appearance of retaliation or favoritism toward America’s free press.
—Megan Schrader, The Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2025
The bottom line here is that today’s PUC members — all appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom — exercise as much favoritism toward these companies as previous commissioners named by ex-Govs.
—Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
In the letter to Boise State, FFRF noted that the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause prohibits public school administrators or employees from showing favoritism toward or coercing belief and participation in a particular religion.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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.
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Past presidents have used the system precisely to avoid even the appearance of retaliation or favoritism toward America’s free press.
—Megan Schrader, The Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2025
The bottom line here is that today’s PUC members — all appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom — exercise as much favoritism toward these companies as previous commissioners named by ex-Govs.
—Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
In the letter to Boise State, FFRF noted that the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause prohibits public school administrators or employees from showing favoritism toward or coercing belief and participation in a particular religion.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Articles Related to favoritism
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share