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 The goal of such a system, often used in combination with elections, was to prevent excessive influence and nepotism, and shore up trust in the system of government and those who wielded power through it. — Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026 Yet, Stella Lefty’s rise has been hotly debated — conversations about nepotism, originality, and TikTok’s influence on the music industry have taken over. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 Afterward, the internet went wild with accusations of cheating, nepotism, and more. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 As the nepotism debate rages on, a number of current stars have opted out of having kids altogether — and made no secret about it. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nepotism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nepotism

Noun

Of course, one is inevitably loaded with expectations and prejudices, but the ideal of letting the work teach you how to consider it, as the philosopher Stanely Cavell counseled, is a useful starting point.

— Lola Seaton, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026
Misty is a long-ago Emmy winner whose career has slipped through her fingers, in part because of reckless behavior on and off the set and and in part because of racist and ageist prejudices in casting.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

Recruitment materials provided by the district promoted confidence-building and leadership activities, including confronting bias and challenging stereotypes.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Then, entities like White Circle could possibly form a coalition to help detect AI threats in real time, without suffering from biases.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of bias

Noun

Daycare owners often contribute to their campaigns, leading to concerns about favoritism.

— Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Regardless of how these questions are answered, some degree of favoritism would be unavoidable because not every company would benefit.

— DAVID S. COHEN, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nepotism

noun

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