nepotism

noun

Definition of nepotismnext
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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Example Sentences

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 Opera Carolina lawsuits and turnover Opera Carolina has seen significant upheaval since 2024, including public and internal criticism over questions regarding nepotism and the leadership structure. — Catherine Muccigrosso july 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 From Bonds and Thome to Pettitte and Sabathia, a new generation of players with MLB bloodlines reignites questions over nepotism and merit. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 In an unstable industry with IP, nepotism and maybe even now artificial intelligence ruling supreme, Ridd and Boa have doubled down on emerging filmmakers with original stories. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 Where does one look for models if élites and powerful decision-makers seem to have ascended through nepotism or greed rather than through merit? — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nepotism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nepotism
  1. prejudice
  2. bias
  3. cronyism
  4. favoritism
Noun
  • Barely out of her teens, the Black and Anishinaabe sculptor had already weathered racial prejudice, false accusations and the abrupt end of her education at Oberlin College.
    — Andrew Alexander, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Factors affecting the intensity of racial profiling The forcefulness of police prejudice against minority groups depends on historical and social circumstances.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • According to the American Civil Liberties Union in 2020, this technology can result in bias and inaccuracies.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Every public high school student will be required to complete two 45-minute AI-literacy modules, covering what AI is and is not, as well as bias, risks, ethics, careers and future skills.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • The pro-Russia conservative leader ruled for 20 years in total, leaving a web of corrupt cronyism in highly compromised state institutions.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In this series finale, Whitehead presents his New York City as an urbanscape rife with brutality, cronyism and corruption, increasingly fed by unbridled capitalism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 July 2026
Definition of cronyism
Noun
  • Most obvious, Black candidates for elite jobs, grants, and prizes, who had previously faced many barriers, were benefiting, in various institutions and workplaces, from a new kind of favoritism.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As tennis has grown and the four Grand Slams — and their respective national tennis federations — have grown more powerful with it, that favoritism has evolved into something far less wild and far more predictable.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of favoritism

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ne plus ultras
nepotism
Neptune
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Cite this Entry

“Nepotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nepotism. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nepotism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nepotism

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