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Showing results for play favorites. Search instead for fiery favorites.

play favorites

VERB
favor
Synonyms
STRONGEST
facilitate promote side with
STRONG
abet accommodate advance aid assist befriend esteem further gratify humor indulge oblige spare spoil value
WEAK
be partial to do a kindness do right by make exception pull strings show consideration smile upon treat well
Antonyms
STRONG
block disappoint frustrate halt hinder hurt ignore impede neglect obstruct prevent stop
WEAK
disfavor dislike thwart

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Calvacca doesn’t play favorites, she says, but she snuggles Valentina and calls Sonny Mister Handsome.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

They say parents shouldn’t play favorites, but the Eurasian hoopoe—a bird known for its showy orange crest and whooping cry—clearly never got the memo.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 21, 2024

But — even though maybe an entomologist shouldn’t play favorites — it is the dragonfly that really makes her heart sing.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2023

I don’t mean to play favorites, but the Milky White who jauntily dances in the Opera House is one I’m especially happy to steer you to.

From Washington Post • Feb. 26, 2023

She started to play favorites with her niece and for some reason it all made sense: They were planning on moving out together, but my sister and I weren’t included.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers