What does "nepotism" mean?
The favoring of relatives (most strictly) or also personal friends (more broadly) because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.
Nepotism
/ˈnɛp.ə.tɪ.zəm/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The favoring of relatives (most strictly) or also personal friends (more broadly) because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.
- Grammar: nepotism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bias, bias, boodle, campaign contribution.
- Useful contrasts: civil service, impartiality, merit selection.
- Usage evidence: The politician was accused of nepotism when he employed his wife in his electoral office, without advertising the position.
How to use "nepotism"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nepotism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nepotism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nepotism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The favoring of relatives (most strictly) or also personal friends (more broadly) because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities. countable, uncountable
"Nepotism can get you very far in the world if you've got the right connections."
- 2 favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs) wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The politician was accused of nepotism when he employed his wife in his electoral office, without advertising the position."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nepotism"?
Common synonyms include: bias, bias, boodle, campaign contribution, campaign fund, cronyism.
How do you use "nepotism" in a sentence?
The politician was accused of nepotism when he employed his wife in his electoral office, without advertising the position.
How do you pronounce "nepotism"?
Pronounced /ˈnɛp.ə.tɪ.zəm/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from Latin nepōs (“nephew”), a reference to the practice of popes appointing relatives (most often nephews) as cardinals during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.